| Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles > Auction 137 | Auction date: 29 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 1173 Price realized: 34,000 USD (Approx. 31,491 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. Gold Pattern Double Florin, 1868. W&R-372 (R4); Douglas-Morris-185. 1.64g. Plain edge. By William Wyon. Victoria, 1837-1901. Obv. Coroneted head left, VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F:D:, toothed border both sides. Reverse; Struck en medaille, DOUBLE FLORIN 1868 in three lines within oak wreath, 5 FRANCS INTERNATIONAL surrounding. Extremely Rare. The PCGS ID# shows 520783; However the Pop Report shows #651836. PCGS shows Pop: 1-63; 1-65. Our coin is the Finest graded at PCGS. PCGS graded Proof 65+ Cameo. Estimated Value $10,000 - UP This superb pattern was originally issued in a red leather plush presentation case measuring 67x40 mm, 17 mm thick, inscribed "PATTERN DOUBLE FLORIN. 1868." in gilt letters and digits on top, with a scribed rectangular gilt line surrounding. The interior "seat" for the coins was in blue velvet. Light-colored silk covers the interior top. The designs were identical other than the edge style-one plain, the other reeded. The pieces were engraved by William Wyon. Why were they made? During the late 1860s into the middle 1870s, various European governments, as well as the United States, assembled committees to consider ways to promote and facilitate international trade among themselves. France issued a neat, small gold coin called 5 Francs. The United States already minted its gold dollar and its $5 gold piece, two coins which competed perfectly with the British gold Sovereign. The U.S., however, also contracted with design artists to create other denominations that might be used for this purpose, most of which never proceeded beyond initial consideration and/or a handful of pattern strikes. Great Britain tasked the grand old master engraver William Wyon to design and cut dies for this "Double-Florin" in gold, clearly stating its purpose on the reverse and giving the equivalent value of 5 Francs "International" in the encircling legend. The U.S. gold dollar was of exactly the same value. This pair of patterns never advanced to being issued, leaving collectors today with these diminutive jewels in gold-ideal pieces to add to any collection of Victoria's coinage or of gold proofs. Ex Spink, London, May 5, 2005, lot 213. |  |
