Lot 3123
Great Britain. Proof Crown, 1746. S.3690; ESC-126. George II. by John Tanner. Obverse, second, older laureate draped bust left GEORGIVS II DEI GRATIA. Reverse, inverted die axis, crowned cruciform shields, angles plain. Edge VICESIMO in raised letters. Mint state. Obverse has an attractive steel blue tone to complement the razor sharp detail. The reverse is toned in blue with a hint of aquamarine. An exquisite coin which has been cherished over the centuries and consequently remains free from imperfection. A masterpiece of British eighteenth century numismatic production, and much rarer in top grade than the (later) Proof Crowns of 1826 and 1839. NGC graded Proof 63.
* King George II was born in 1683 and raised in Hanover Germany. His father, George I, became King of England after Queen Anne died childless in 1714, and reigned until his demise in 1727. Becoming king in 1727 George II adapted well to life in England and indulged his passions for music, all things military, and his wife Caroline of Ansbach. He was famous as the last English king to have personally lead his troops into battle. George despised his son Frederick and after the death of George II (in 1760) the throne passed to his grandson - later to become George III - as Frederick had already passed away in 1751.
Numismatically, the reign of George II was interesting. Some gold coins were made from bullion supplied by the East India Company and the initials of the company E.I.C appear on the obverse of these pieces. Admiral Anson's seizure of precious metal during his circumnavigation of the globe led to the production of gold and silver coins bearing the word LIMA below the king's portrait. And in 1732 and 1746 two stunning Proof Crowns were produced, one featuring the early (young) bust of the king, and the other (this piece) the older portrait. Copper coins were produced in abundance but none was made after 1754.
Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000.
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