Lot 1155
Great Britain. Proof Pattern Sovereign, 1837. KM-Unl., S-Unl., W&R-295 (R5). Plain edge. By William Wyon, reverse by Jean-Baptiste Merlen. Victoria, 1837-1901. Young head left, date below, between rosettes. Reverse; Crowned shield of arms within wreath. A charming coin, seldom seen these days, very rare. Pop 3; None Finer at PCGS. This coin photo in the PCGS Pop Report. PCGS graded Proof 63 Deep Cameo. Estimated Value $20,000 - UP
This wonderful coin was one of several prototypes for the series of sovereigns issued for commerce beginning in 1838, and for proofs of 1839's coronation set. It was the work of two great designer/engravers at the Royal Mint-William Wyon's portrait of Victoria combined with J.B. Merlen's classic shield reverse. This pattern was created in the year of young Victoria's accession, before her coronation. Other pattern sovereigns are dated 1838. It is known that Victoria was personally involved in the creation of her early coins-mindful that her image should appear graceful to her subjects across the kingdom. She had nothing to worry about because William Wyon was a perfectionist who first made a wax model of her portrait from which he engraved dies; he spent considerable time attempting to arrive at an ideal image which would please the queen (as demonstrated by the several patterns he made of this style, varying in size and positioning). For the issued coinage, the two little roses were omitted from the obverse around the date even though, as a spacing flourish, they were a lovely decoration that gave balance to the entire design. Clearly the young queen was pleased-the portrait of her became a classic that appeared on many denominations from 1838-1887.
Ex Baldwin St. James's Auction 2, Nov 5, 2005, lot 630.
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| Realized $81,000 |
