Lot 2626

Description

1887 Proof Double Florin (Four Shillings), Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3922, ESC-2696, L&S 97, Davies 540 (R). 22.34g. Obverse - Joachim E. Boehm's Jubilee bust with small crown and veil, J.E.B. on truncation. Reverse - Roman I in date; Royal Arms present as four crowned shields in cruciform pattern centred by a Garter star. In the angles are four sceptres featuring symbols for the three kingdoms, i.e. England (sceptre with a cross), Ireland (harp) and Scotland (thistle). The interupted legend reads REG: 18 (crown) 87 FID: (crown) DEF: (crown) BRITT: (crown). This reverse takes inspiration from the 17th C Thomas Simon's five guineas design. However, the public soon gave the disparaging moniker "radiating kitchen pokers and tea trays." Brilliant, reverse blue toned, FDC and rare.