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HANOVER. Victoria. 1837-1901. Proof AR Crown (39mm, 28.36 g, 6h). Dated 1847 and UNDECIMO. ‘Gothic’ type, struck in Britannia .9584 silver. Cf. L&S 57; cf. Bull 2573; cf. ESC 289; SCBC 3883. In NGC encapsulation 6490323-002, graded PF 64. A superb coin with heavily frosted design. Light dappled tone with considerable underlying brilliance. Of the highest rarity: apparently the only known Gothic Crown struck in this alloy.
XRF analysis by NGC of this beautiful Crown has revealed that it is struck in Britannia silver: 96% (.9584) silver and 4% copper. The Britannia silver standard was introduced by Act of Parliament in 1697 during the Great Recoinage of William III. Henceforth all wrought silver plate was to be issued at the Britannia standard whereas silver coins continued to be struck in the traditional Sterling standard of .925 silver. The aim was to reduce the depletion of the circulating silver currency which previously was being melted down and easily converted into plate. Britannia silver was considerably softer than Sterling and provoked complaints from silversmiths leading to the reauthorisation of Sterling silver for the production of plate in 1720.
Prior to the analysis of the coin offered here, no Gothic Crown has been recorded in Britannia silver. The type is commonly encountered in Sterling silver with much rarer presentation strikings in fine, .999, silver also known (see lot 1287). An exceptional striking in an unusual alloy, such as the coin offered here, was likely a special commission for the Chief Engraver, William Wyon. The production of special strikings for VIP collectors was a well-established perquisite of the Chief Engraver in the nineteenth century allowing him to augment his Royal Mint salary.
The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.
Triton XXVI – Session Four – Lots 991-1315 will be held Wednesday afternoon, 11 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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