Toned ‘Northumberland’ Shilling
HANOVER. George III. 1760-1820. AR Shilling. Dated 1763. Young head. 'Northumberland' type. Bull 2124; ESC 1214; SCBC 3742. Iridescent toning. In NGC encapsulation 6907997-008, graded MS 63.
Ex Alexander Christopher Collection.
In 1763, Hugh, the Earl of Northumberland, ordered a special issue of £100 worth of silver shillings to be struck for distribution in Dublin in commemoration of his appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This personal order led this issue to be called the ‘Northumberland shilling,’ though a significantly greater number than the Earl’s original request were struck for general circulation. Nevertheless, this wonderfully engraved issue is popular with collectors today.
