Lot 3390
Great Britain. 'Bonomi' Pattern Crown, 1837. Commissioned by J. Rochelle Thomas and struck by John Pinches, this enigmatic pattern coin features a unique incuse young portrait of Queen Victoria facing left and an incuse reverse design of Britannia standing holding Victory. Listed as ESC-323. It is similar to the Bonomi crown in the Cheshire Collection (sold Ira and Larry Goldberg May 31, 2005, lot 2717, ESC-322). This specimen is struck in a softer white metal than the Cheshire coin, and there is a striking flaw on the edge of this piece.
In the 2005 sale the Bonomi crown was thus described: 'Known in a variety of metals with a total mintage among them probably in the range 200-300 pieces this pattern was apparently the invention of a gentleman names Joseph Bonomi. The story is well told in Linecar and Stone's book, derived from an article in the 'Numismatic circular' by Captain Pridmore. Bonomi it seems was an Egyptian traveller and antiquarian, member of the Numismatic Society of London in 1837, who believed that coins would wear less if their design were incuse rather than raised, an idea that would take form in American gold quarter eagles and half eagles starting in 1908. Bonomi supposedly conceived the Queen and Britannia in a style that suggested an Egyptian motif, which was extremely popular in the 1830's. How the master dies were created and exactly when and by whom remains indefinite. However, dies were sunk by Theophilus Pinches (probably in 1893) and coins offered for sale in May 1893 by J. Rochelle Thomas. They are accepted among the patterns of Queen Victoria by most collectors simply because of their stark beauty. Most specimens are not very well preserved unfortunately. Extremely rare and very desirable. About Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
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