Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Auctions    
       

       

                             



Sale 31: The Pre-Long Beach Auction May 30 - June 1, 2005
             

             
            Lot 2233Great Britain. Silver Shilling, 1693. William & Mary. 
            S-3437. 9/0 variety in date. Conjoined busts facing right. At the 
            top of the rarity list, among all milled silver coins, ranking 
            perhaps #1 and #2 of all types, are the crowns and shillings of this 
            dual monarchy. The cataloguer has seen one legitimate Uncirculated 
            crown in 25 years, but not a single shilling. The finest seem to 
            have at least a touch of wear, which is the case here. Just a hint 
            of actual wear, but "hard" luster, toned an enchanting mauve and 
            bluish gray. Strike is excellent, but the dies clashed, showing 
            impressed elements of each side's design on the other side. There 
            are no marks or any other "distractions," and if this coin were 
            Uncirculated it would have to be called 63 or 64 for its qualities. 
            Indeed, a lot of late 17th-century luster remains beneath the 
toning!

            Few cataloguers have commented on the intricate reverse design of 
            this classic of English numismatics. In the fields between the 
            quadrants of the shield are inter-linked "W" and "M" initials, a 
            feature unique to this monarchy; the date is placed concentrically 
            around the center device, each digit one that could only have been 
            formed at this time in history; and finally the lion standing in 
            miniature on its two hind feet, at the reverse center, is within a 
            disconnected cartouche that is meant to stand for a shield, and on 
            this shield are tiny squares, themselves standing for the shields of 
            the royal household. Thus we have insignia, shields on a shield 
            within the quadrants of a larger shield, regal titles in Latin, a 
            dual monarchy, and great rarity all on one "simple" shilling: as 
            good as it gets, really, in an English coin! NGC graded AU-55. 
            Estimated Value $2,350-2,850. 

            Provenance: The Cheshire Collection.
             Realized $1,800
             


          








Courtesy Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, Beverly Hills, CA. www.goldbergcoins.com