Great Britain: George III (1760-1820) gold Proof Pattern 1/2 Penny 1797-SOHO PR62 Cameo NGC,...

Description

An Extreme Rarity in Gold

George III (1760-1820) gold Proof Pattern 1/2 Penny 1797-SOHO PR62 Cameo NGC, Wilson-Rasmussen 167 (R5), Peck-1162 (Extremely rare). By William J. Taylor after Küchler. Plain edge. Taylor, a Victorian coin dealer, came upon the opportunity to purchase many of the original Soho Mint dies when the Mint closed in 1848 and its components were sold off by the firm Fuller and Horsey, April-May 1850. After polishing and restoring a number of these, Taylor set about making restrikes in very limited numbers from the original 18th century dies for the benefit of collectors, as well as concocting some of his own die-pairings. This series introduced many previously unknown proofs and patterns, of which no contemporary examples survived but for which the dies were still extant; and of Taylor's restrikes, few if any are as captivating or as seldom seen as his gold Cartwheel series, the Halfpenny of which we are delighted to offer here.

Only ever produced as a pattern and never introduced to general circulation, this Cartwheel Halfpenny follows the style of the Penny and Twopence, iconic as Britain's first steam-milled coinage. The broad raised edge rim which gives the type its name has on this specimen been exquisitely frosted, the matte aged-gold colored frame giving way to dazzling reflective fields beyond; these mirrors backlight frosty devices, which show very little deterioration with age and indeed approach Soho Mint quality. George's cameo portrait captures the attention immediately, partially for its charming contrast to the field, and particularly as it is so unusual to see this elegant design depicted in gold. On the reverse, Britannia's portrayal is pristine with every detail crisp and prominent to an extent greater than is often seen with later restrikes. With fewer than five examples known to exist and no recent comparable examples at auction, this premium offering combines extreme rarity with a visually stunning piece of numismatic history. A breathtaking presentation piece, and one which befits a world-class collection of British or pattern coins.
Ex. Norweb Collection

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 30mm

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

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