Great Britain: William & Mary Double Weight gold Coronation Medal 1689 AU53 NGC,...

Description

Exceedingly Rare Double-Weight Gold Medal - One Of Just 28 Produced

William & Mary Double Weight gold Coronation Medal 1689 AU53 NGC, 35mm, 34.28g, cf. MI-662-25, cf. Eimer-312a. By J. Roettier. Stunning, high-relief and the rarest of the rare - the double-weight William & Mary coronation medal in gold, one of supposedly just 28 struck, properly identified and offered for the very first time.

John Evelyn, the 17th century diarist, records that, alongside the 1,200 silver and 715 gold coronation medals of weights 17-19 grams given by William III to his courtiers in 1689, 28 medals of 'double-value' were presented to foreign ministers. Collectors of the British coronation medal series will be familiar with the regular issues featuring the iconic design engraved by Jan Roettier, but few will have seen references to these scarcely-documented double-weight medals simply due to the fact that they are near-unknown and none has ever been offered for sale. The present offering represents the sole known example of this extremely small number of special-issue VIP medals.  

Quite besides its extraordinary rarity, this medal is equally impressive for its magnificent eye-appeal and high standard of production. A rich canary-gold in color, and clearly intended to be a presentation piece as the relief of William and Mary's portraits is simply extraordinary; the thicker gold planchet has resulted in a far sharper strike, as the greater quantity of metal has succeeded in reaching the deepest engraving within the die. Additionally, there is evidence of double-striking, perhaps to assist in raising the relief of this medal even further. As a result, although conservatively certified as AU53 (and indeed demonstrating some wear to the highest points), this medal still retains a far greater coverage of detail to William's hair than a higher-certified normal weight specimen, and overall a much bolder appearance.

Chris Eimer, renowned authority on British medals, on viewing images and a description of this medal stated "having looked at the materials that you have attached, it certainly does appear that you have a special issue of the official gold William and Mary coronation medal." Of the highest rarity, an outstanding medal, elite in every sense of the word; this offering represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a collector to own this glorious golden prize, a medal designed to impress, to inspire awe, and intended to be owned solely by foreign elite of the 17th century.
From the Collection of A Scottish Gentleman

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 35mm

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

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