Lot 2270
Great Britain. Halfcrown, 1703 VIGO. Queen Anne. S-3580. Pre-Union reverse. Edge not visible in the slab but probably "TERTIO." Despite an unfortunate but mint-caused long adjustment vertically through the queen's hair (and a couple of minor ones beside it), this is an elegant coin! There is just a touch of wear from long ago. The strike is sharp. Luster gleams beneath beautiful, almost black toning which is enhanced by a luscious amber-mauve iridescence, strongest on the reverse. Abrasions are all small. So well-preserved that you can still see telltale die-work here and there around the devices. The obverse legend, and part of the reverse legend, show classic bifurcations at the bottoms of the letters, endemic of this coin's time in history. It was made from silver specie captured by Anglo-Dutch raids led by Sir George Rooke on Spanish coastal towns during the treacherous War of the Spanish Succession and ending in the Battle of Vigo Bay, where enemy treasure ships were looted of some eleven million "pieces of eight" that were subsequently melted by the Royal Mint and turned into this distinctive commemorative issue. Over the three centuries that have expired since these coins were made, most Vigos have perished, and a coin of this quality is indeed a rarity. NGC graded AU-55.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,250.
The Cheshire Collection.
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