Lot 448
Great Britain. Gold Proof Sovereign, 1839. S-3852; Fr-387a; WR-302; KM-736.1. Victoria, 1837-1901. First Young Head left. Reverse: Crowned shield within filleted laurel wreath; rose, shamrock and thistle spray below. Plain edge. Medal-die alignment. Head with satin-matte luster, the reverse devices brighter. Bright mirrored fields. Very rare: only about 300 coined for the Coronation sets. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo.
A beautiful numismatic memento from the beginning of one of the most remarkable reigns in English history. Using the military and naval power which her uncle strengthened during his brief reign, the sheltered Princess Victoria, once she was queen and her family established via her union with Prince Albert (her consort), witnessed and in part guided a dramatic emergence of Britain's empire all during the 1850s through the 1880s. Asia and Africa found British troops in nearly every locale, and the global excursions became known as "Victoria's little wars," preludes all to the horrific, upcoming First World War. Throughout the reign, as well, romanticism and chivalry flourished and the English way of life became such a dominant force in the world that the age itself took its name after Victoria.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
Ex Dr Jacob Y. Terner Collection.
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| Realized $20,125 |
