Lot 247
Great Britain. Yorkshire " phoenix' gold Token 10/6 (two-shillings and sixpence, or Half Guinea), 1812. Issued by merchants Younge, Wilsons & Younge, of Sheffield. Listed on page 46 as #37 in Dalton's classic reference on the token coinage of 1811-1812, one of only three such tokens known to exist in gold. The mythical bird is seen rising from the flames. This is a major gold-token rarity which fits well among the final series of half guineas, as it was made strictly for emergency use in a time of specie shortage, during the war against Napoleon. No 1812-dated regular issue half guinea was struck, possibly accounting for the sudden appearance of this intriguing piece. Extremely rare (R4 or R5), just a handful known. Choice surfaces with prooflike qualities, and sharp details. One of the finest survivors of its tumultuous era. PCGS graded AU-55.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,000.
|
| |
| Realized $6,900 |
