Great Britain 1748 2 guineas
This specimen was lot 41403 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction (Pittsburgh, August 2026), where it sold for $18,300. The catalog description[1] noted, "Nearly-Immaculate 2 Guineas of George II, GREAT BRITAIN. 2 Guineas, 1748. London Mint. George II. PCGS MS-62. Presenting resounding eye appeal and standing as the finer of just two observed for the year in the PCGS census, this nearly-Choice example radiates with immense flair and beauty. The strike is rather sharp and exacting, with a dazzling degree of vibrant brilliance populating each side. Meanwhile, the coloring presents as mostly straw yellow, with some burnished golden notes further highlighting and accentuating the devices. Taken together, these accolades make this stunner an important and VERY RARE piece that will not be overlooked. From the Richard Ader Collection." This type is listed for 1748 and 1753 and, like all two guineas of the eighteenth century, is rare and expensive. George III did not issue two guineas so this is the last of the denomination.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 16.70 g, 0.917 fine gold, 19 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: S-3669; Fr-338; KM-589.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Lobel, Richard, Mark Davidson, Allan Hailstone and Eleni Calligas, Coincraft's Standard Catalogue of English and UK Coins, 1066 to Date, London: Coincraft, 1995.
- Skingley, Philip, ed., Standard Catalogue of British Coins: Coins of England & the United Kingdom, 46th edition, London: Spink & Son, 2011.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2026.
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