Catalogue
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.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,300
1839 Proof Set Case, Victoria, 1837-1901. 1839, The standard maroon leather covered timber presentation case with shagreen (shark leather) cover. Spade shaped case with round corners fitted with brass swivel hooks and brass push-button at front. Inside, the base comprises blue velvet roundels in a 3-3-6-3 pattern with blue ribbon lifters and white silk lining to the lid.^Very fine and rare.
Estimate $900
SOLD $1,800
1839 Proof Una and the Lion Five Sovereigns, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3851, W&R 278 (R4,) L&S 17. 38.56g. Lettered edge DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI TERTIO in small, raised letters (in relief) with rose stops. The edge translates as an ornament and a safeguard in the third year of the reign. The broad rims display a characteristic cud between 10:00 and 12:00 on the reverse indicating a late die state. Other die markers in the obverse fields confirm the dies'later state. Wyon placed a decorative border on both sides with an egg and dart design which is also characteristic of this coin. Obverse - six complete scrolls to front fillet (ribbon) and 11 full leaves to rear fillet. The legend reads VICTORIA D : G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F : D: - translates as Victoria by the grace of God, Queen of the Britains, defender of the faith. Reverse - struck en Medaille full-length figure of Victoria as Una facing left leading the lion with DIRIGE in legend and garter star on the shoulder. In the exergue, MDCCCXXXIX under which is W.WYON. R.A. The legend reads DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS which translates as may the Lord direct my steps, and it is thought it might have been Queen Victoria's personal prayer. Choice deep cameo proof fully sealed brilliant fields, die break rim to paw, two dried moisture spots mentioned for accuracy, one of the finest known, as such of great importance, the gem of this collection, extremely rare.
Estimate $650,000
SOLD $780,000
1839 Proof Sovereign, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3852, W&R 302 (R4). 7.78g. Obverse -. First small young head Reverse - By Merlen, a plain square shield of Royal Arms crowned. The escutcheon of pretence, bearing the arms of Hannover, disappears as it only passes by male descent. The shield is encircled by a laurel wreath tied by a ribbon revealing two loops. Below the ribbon, is the united rose thistle and shamrock. Legend reads BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID : DEF : flanked by decorative stops - see half crown description, struck en medaille. Plain edge. Slightly scuffed with edge damage, deep cameo, otherwise nearly FDC and very rare.
Estimate $12,500
SOLD $26,000
1839 Proof Half Sovereign, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3859, L&S 17, W&R 343 (S). 3.81g. Obverse -. Similar with no designers initials Reverse - By Merlen, a garnished square shield of Royal Arms crowned. With no wreath or united floral emblems. Legend reads BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID : DEF : and is flanked by decorative stops (comprising an oval surrounded by six beads to form a floret) as in the GEORGE IV obverse designs struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Minor hairlines, brilliant cameo proof, nearly FDC and scarce.
Estimate $7,500
SOLD $12,000
1839 Proof Crown, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3882, ESC-2560, L&S 38, Davies - 430. (R) 28.22g. Obverse -. W.WYON R.A. on truncation with date below Reverse - Similar to sovereign struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Gem deep cameo proof with grey and iridescent toning, very rare in this condition, one of the finest known.
Estimate $60,000
SOLD $85,000
1839 Proof Half Crown, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3885, ESC-2708, Davies-560. (S) 13.52g. Obverse - W.W. in relief on truncation; ribbons in hair comprise one ornate in front of the second plain fillet. Reverse - similar to the sovereign struck en medaille. Plain edge. Iridescent toned brilliance, FDC and rare as such.
Estimate $8,000
SOLD $7,500
1839 Proof Half Crown, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3885, ESC-2708, Davies-560. (S) 14.01g. Obverse - W.W. in relief on truncation; ribbons in hair comprise one ornate in front of the second plain fillet. Reverse - similar to the sovereign struck in coin alignment. Gunmetal grey tone, vertical hairline under chin, otherwise virtually FDC and scarce.
Estimate $6,500
SOLD $9,500
1839 Proof Shilling, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3903, ESC-2977, Davies-852. (S) 5.63g. Obverse - second young head - chignon ends in tight curl; -W.W. in relief on truncation. Reverse - Merlen design with the words ONE SHILLING under St Edwards crown and surrounded by two branches forming a wreath of oak and laurel tied by a ribbon with the date below.struck in coin alignment. Plain edege. Attractive blue grey brilliance, FDC and scarce.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $2,400
1839 Proof Shilling, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3903, ESC-not listed, Davies-852. (R) 5.64g. Obverse - second young head; -W.W. in relief. Reverse - Merlen design with the words ONE SHILLING under St Edwards crown and surrounded by two branches forming a wreath of oak and laurel tied by a ribbon with the date below, struck en Medaille, with attemped scratching, planchet flaw in ribbon. Plain edge. Dark iridescent tone, brilliance, red FDC and rare.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $1,200
1839 Proof Shilling, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3904, ESC-2980, Davies-853. (R) 5.63g. Obverse - second young head; - W.W. is absent from the truncation. Reverse - Merlen design with the words ONE SHILLING under St Edwards crown and surrounded by two branches forming a wreath of oak and laurel tied by a ribbon with the date below, struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Dark grey tone, nearly FDC and rare.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $1,500
1839 Proof Shilling, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3904, ESC-2981, Davies-853. (R) 5.61g. Obverse - second head; - W.W. is absent from the truncation. Reverse - Merlen design with the words ONE SHILLING under St Edwards crown and surrounded by two branches forming a wreath of oak and laurel tied by a ribbon with the date below, struck en Medaille. Plain edge. Beautifully toned gem proof, FDC and rare.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $3,800
1839 Proof Sixpence, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3908, ESC-3171, Davies-1031. (S) 2.74g. Obverse - first head. Reverse - Similar to the shilling except that it has SIX PENCE struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Attractive blue grey tone, FDC and scarce.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $1,100
1839 Proof Sixpence, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3908, ESC-3171, Davies-1031. (R) 2.92g. Obverse - first young head. Reverse - Similar to the shilling except that it has SIX PENCE struck en Medaille. Plain edge. Dark grey tone, nearly FDC and rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $900
1839 Proof Sixpence from muled Dies, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3912, ESC-3249, Davies unlisted. (R4) 2.88g. Straight-grained edge. Obverse - third young head, no lock on the cheek. Reverse - Merlen design with the words SIX PENCE under St Edwards crown and surrounded by two branches forming a wreath of oak and laurel tied by a ribbon with the date below struck en Medaille, struck after 1880 using the 1839 reverse. Attractive light grey and iridescent tone, FDC and extremely rare.
Estimate $5,000
SOLD $4,500
1839 Proof Groat, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3913, ESC-3324, Davies-1203. (S) 1.95g. Obverse - Young head no W W. Reverse - W. Wyon's Britannia seated to the right, holding a trident and resting on a union shield supported by a plinth, the date is in the exergue. FOUR PENCE is divided by the design, struck en Medaille. Plain edge. Attractive deep cameo proof FDC and scarce.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $1,100
1839 Proof Groat, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3913, ESC-3325, Davies-1203. (R2) 1.85g. Obverse - Young head no W W. Reverse - W. Wyon's Britannia seated to the right, holding a trident and resting on a union shield supported by a plinth, the date is in the exergue. FOUR PENCE is divided by the design, struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Iridescent toned FDC and very scarce.
Estimate $1,250
SOLD $1,000
1839 Proof Maundy Set, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3916, ESC-3482. (R) Obverse - Young head no WW. Reverse - Crowned numeral with central date split on either side. This plain design is within a wreath formed solely by oak branches tied with a ribbon below. 4d 1.89g, 3d 1.33g, 2d 0.99g and 1d 0.41g. Reverse for 1d struck in coin alignment. 2d,3d and 4d en Medaille. It is not unusual for cased proof sets to contain Maundy with mixed die alignments. Attractively toned, brilliant, FDC and rare.
Estimate $2,500
SOLD $2,800
1839 Proof Penny, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3948, Peck 1479 (S) 18.86g. Obverse - young head ( bare neck) w.w. incuse on truncation. Reverse - Similar to GEORGE IV and WILLIAM IIII, penny designs with an ornamental trident. The legend reads BRITANNIAR : REG : FID : DEF: Hair stain on reverse, fully brilliant bronzed cameo proof, FDC and scarce.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $2,600
1839 Proof Penny, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3948, Peck 1479 (S) 18.77g. Bronzed. Obverse - as above w.w. incuse on truncation. Reverse - as above ornamental trident and struck en Medaille. Minor contact marks and hairline, otherwise dark chocolate bronze proof, nearly FDC and scarce.
Estimate $1,800
SOLD $3,600
1839 Proof Halfpenny, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3949, Peck 1523 (S) 9.18g. Bronzed Obverse - w.w. on truncation. Reverse - as above ornamental trident and struck en Medaille. Minor surface hairlines; dark chocolate bronzed has brilliance, nearly FDC and scarce.
Estimate $900
SOLD $600
1839 Proof Halfpenny, Victoria, 1837-1901. 1839, S-3949, Peck 1523 (S) 9.34g. Bronzed. Obverse - as above w:w. on truncation. Reverse - as above ornamental trident and struck en Medaille. Legend has a serif missing to the top of the D in DEF Double struck rim 4 to 8 o'clock, date overstruck, lighter blue brown bronzed patina, nearly FDC and rare thus.
Estimate $900
SOLD $750
1839 Proof Halfpenny, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3949, Peck 1523 (S) 9.03g. Obverse -young head w:w. incuse on truncation. Overdate variety 1839 over broad 1843 "ghost". Reverse - Similar to GEORGE IV and William IIII, halfpenny designs with an ornamental trident. The legend reads BRITANNIAR : REG : FID : DEF:.
Estimate $1,250
SOLD $800
1839 Proof Halfpenny - Die alignment variety, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3949, Peck 1523* (V.R.) 9.18g. Bronzed. Obverse - as above w:w. incuse on truncation. Reverse - Similar to GEORGE IV and William IIII halfpenny designs with an ornamental trident. The legend reads BRITANNIAR : REG : FID : DEF: struck in coin alignment. Minor obverse contact marks, lighter bronzing on the obverse, nearly FDC/FDC and very rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $800
1839 Proof Farthing, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3950, Peck 1556 (S) 4.70g. Obverse - young head w.w. in relief on truncation. Reverse - Similar to GEORGE IV and WILLIAM IIII, farthing designs with an ornamental trident. The legend reads BRITANNIAR : REG : FID : DEF:. Some spotting, dark bluish brown patina, nearly FDC and scarce.
Estimate $1,000
Passed in
1839 Proof Farthing, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3950, Peck 1556 (S) 4.22g. Bronzed. Obverse - w.w. in relief on truncation. Reverse - ornamental trident and struck en Medaille. Light planchet. Unbarred As in GRATIA, full brilliant dark brown patina, FDC and rare thus.
Estimate $1,500
Passed in
1839 Proof Farthing, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3950, Peck 1556 (S) 4.79g. Bronzed. Obverse - as above w.w. in relief on truncation. Reverse - as above ornamental trident and struck en Medaille. Light spotting and hairlines, brilliant cameo proof, nearly FDC and scarce.
Estimate $1,000
SOLD $650
1839 Proof Farthing, Die alignment variety, Victoria, 1837-1901. S-3950, Peck 1557 (V.R.) 4.64g. Bronzed Obverse - w.w. in relief on truncation. Reverse - - Similar to GEORGE IV and William IIII farthing designs with an ornamental trident. The legend reads BRITANNIAR : REG : FID : DEF: ornamental trident and struck in coin alignment. Full red brown bronzed patina, FDC and very rare.
Estimate $1,500
Passed in
1847 Proof Crown, Victoria, 1837-1901. mdcccxlvii i.e. 1847, S-3833, ESC-2571, L&S 57, Davies-471. (S) 28.18g. Struck in coin alignment. Edge Inscribed in small raised gothic characters decus * et * tutamen * anno * regni * undecimo "an ornament and a safeguard in the eleventh year of our reign". Obverse - Gothic bust; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITTANNIAR. REG : F:D. W W in tiny incuse letters on the right side of the truncation. Reverse - crowned cruciform shields, TUEATUR UNITA DEUS ANNO DOM MDCCCXLVII (may God guard these united (kingdoms). At the sides of the crown on the first shield bearing the English arms is W W in incuse letters on the raised circlet. Miniscule contact mark in front of mouth, beautiful iridescent toned brilliance, FDC, one of the finest known.
Estimate $30,000
SOLD $50,000
1847 Proof Crown, in contemporary maroon shagreen type leather-covered square case. Outer lid decorated with gold border and varying leather finishes. The case is fitted with a brass push-in lock and hinge, and inside is a blue velvet roundel with blue lifting ribbon and light blue silk to the inner lid. Victoria, 1837-1901. mdcccxlvii i.e. 1847, S-3833, ESC-2578, L&S 58, Davies-471. (R2) 27.87g. Struck in coin alignment. Plain edge. Obverse - Gothic bust; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITTANNIAR. REG : F:D. W W in tiny incuse letters on the right side of the truncation Reverse - crowned cruciform shields, tueatur unita deus anno dom mdcccxlvii (may God guard these united (kingdoms). Legend has N over U in UNITA. At the sides of the crown on the first shield bearing the English arms are W W in incuse letters on the raised circlet. The coin exhibits the characteristic almost circular die crack through the lettering of the legend. This feint raised irregular line is found on most proofs of this type. Obverse fields have been very lightly brushed, otherwise FDC and very rare; case is good very fine.
Estimate $35,000
SOLD $66,000