Lot 2561

Description

1839 Proof Set Case, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-PS3 Young head, "Una and the Lion" Pattern Five Sovereigns and Sovereign to Farthing (15 coins). The coins are struck in a mix of die alignments, as noted. With contemporary rare shagreen covered maroon leather covered timber presentation case. Spade shaped case fitted with brass swivel hooks and brass push-button at front. Round corners with blue velvet roundels in a 3-3-6-3 pattern with blue ribbon lifters and white silk lining to the lid. Mintage is estimated at 300 sets struck, with the first sets finally released to collectors in 1843. Given the dominance of individual low denomination silver and bronzed copper proof coins seen in the market, their number struck must have been more significant than the number of complete sets.^Collectors could order 1839 proof sets plus individual coins privately from William Wyon (the engraver) until he died in 1851. Later strikings are known (see the 1839 overdate halfpenny and mule 6d in this catalogue), likely for very well connected individuals.^Obverse - Known as the young head with the bust of Victoria facing left without drapery. Her hair bound by a double fillet and gathered in a chignon with an extra curl in front which crosses the left ear. W. W. initials on the truncation with the legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA and the date below. This Wyon design was used with minor modifications for the sovereign, half-sovereign, crown, half-crown, penny, halfpenny and farthing. ^The shilling, sixpence and groat have a similar effigy, but the legend is extended to VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR : REG : F : D : ^The Maundy legend is VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F: D:^Good very fine and rare.

Ex Bowers & Merena (lot 455).