| Heritage World Coin Auctions > NYINC Signature Sale 3113 | Auction date: 8 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 31140 Price realized: 110,000 USD (Approx. 100,276 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Great Britain Edward III (1327-1377) gold Florin (Leopard) ND (1344) UNC Details (Damaged) NGC, S-1477, N-1106, Stewartby-pg. 196. 3.47gm. A glorious British rarity, of which there are five known examples, and the finer of the two outside of Museum collections. This piece was actually a field find, of the highest order of course, discovered in north Norfolk in October of 2019. Aside from the light damage consistent with its discovery, this specimen has all the tell-tale signs of an UNC coin; crisp detail even at the highest points of the design, a lustrous shimmering aura, and light-yellow golden patina covered with a divine dusting of mint frost. The Leopard, along with its double Leopard counterpart, were revolutionary issues upon its inception, seemingly based on contemporary French coinage, but featuring a leopard design that was largely unknown prior to this striking. Ultimately, these new emissions were deemed a failure and withdrawn from circulation in August of 1344, likely due to overvaluation compared to silver, aggravating an existing hesitancy from the public to adopt a new denomination that did not fit well with the existing monetary scheme. This removal is undoubtedly the reason for the immense rarity of these issues today, with only three double leopards, five of this type, and five "helms" known in existence at present. We are proud to present such an elusive treasure, that despite its details qualifiers, retains the charm of a gold issue still displaying its centuries-old brilliance. Ex. Noonans Auction 251 (March 2022, lot 154) https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-edward-iii-1327-1377-gold-florin-leopard-nd-1344-unc-details-damaged-ngc-/a/3113-31140.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3113-01082024 HID02906262019 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 100000-200000 USD |  |
