| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 145 with CNG & NGSA | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 1203 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: The Geoffrey Cope Collection of British Coins. Philip & Mary. 1554-1558. Pattern AR Halfcrown (31mm, 16.54 g, 12h). Dated 1554. · PHILIPVS · D · G · R · ANG · FR · NEAP · PR · HISP ·, armored bust of Philip right, wearing ruff; crown above; · 1554 · in exergue / · · MARIA · D · G · R · ANG · FR · NEAP · PR · HISP ·, bust of Mary left, wearing gable hood and small ruff; crown above dividing 15 54. North 1977; SCBC 2497A (this coin illustrated). With some even wear both sides. Toned. Near VF. One of the greatest rarities of the entire English series. Purchased from E. Bohr, December 2005; H.H. Snellenberg Collection (purchased en bloc by Spink, 1965); R.C. Lockett (English Part II, Glendining, 11 October 1956), lot 1935; T. Wakely (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 6 December 1909), lot 293; J. G. Murdoch (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 31 March 1903), lot 564; H. Montagu (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 13 March 1896), lot 30; A. D. Clarke (Christie's, 15 June 1891), lot 132; G.W. Bieber (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 13 May 1889), lot 73; reportedly Prince of Montenuovo Collection. This remarkable Halfcrown was evidently struck at the inception of Philip and Mary's joint coinage prior to the titles of Naples and Spain being removed late in 1554, in face of consternation from Mary's English subjects. The portrait punches, probably the work of Jacopo da Trezzo, are the same as those found on the familiar shillings of the period. Only two other Halfcrowns of Philip and Mary are known; those in the British Museum and the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow. Of the three, the Cope specimen is the finest. In the sale of the great Lockett collection of English coins in 1956 it made the second highest price for any silver coin, hammering for £320. Estimate: 40000 CHF |  |
