Great Britain: Victoria Proof Crown 1893,...

Description

A Magnificent Proof 1893 Crown

Victoria Proof Crown 1893, S3937, Old or Veiled Head, LVI edge, PF65 PCGS, the finest specimen this cataloguer has ever seen, despite the mysteriously conservative certified grade assigned, for the strike is a perfect impression from the proofing dies, the portrait is in cameo contrast to the surrounding field (not so noted on the grading insert), the surfaces are virtually flawless (a few wispy hairlines exist under the color, but almost all of the "lines" are not hairlines at all but, rather, are raised die-polish lines, as made), the mirrored fields are not just deep but watery or glassy, like a photograph of a perfectly still pond, and best of all the color is mesmerizing -- a perfect "pool" of neon-blue surrounded by a halo of sunburst gold on the peripheries!

This coin came from the same original set, years ago, from which the NGC PF68 Sixpence was taken that was sold in our January auction, in the Exeter Collection. That Proof Set had been bought by an English family at issue, and was discovered, intact, in a Royal Mint plush case, each coin kept for years and years in cellophane. Every other coin in that set was finally graded from PF66 to PF68, except this crown. When the present owner selected it for his collection, he had a choice between this coin (uncertified at the time) and the PCGS PF67 we recently sold for another client. He chose this coin over the PF67 in the slab. Each is fabulous, but this coin is opalescent in its beauty, perfectly toned, and possesses eye appeal that goes beyond that seen on any other proof crown of this type by the cataloguer over some 35 years. It is a star piece in this collection filled with gorgeous gem coins. In fact, the present owner has dubbed this coin "The Blue Grotto" because its color reminds him of the famous blue waters of the Italian grotto of that name near the Isle of Capri. This is more than a great coin. It's magical in quality!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.276g
ASW: 0.8409oz
Mintage: 1,312

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

View Certification Details from PCGS