Great Britain 1817 crown KM-PnA77
This specimen was lot 30318 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $312,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Exceptional Gem "Three Graces" Crown. Great Britain: George III silver Proof Pattern "Three Graces" Crown 1817 PR65 NGC, Plain edge. By William Wyon. Representing one of the greatest coins of the entire British series, and a celebrated work of art that continues to draw enthusiasm from collectors the world over, the 1817 silver "Three Graces" Pattern Crown remains an instantly recognizable numismatic masterpiece, encompassing the same quality of engraving and attention to detail that normally accompanies only the highest tier of medallic coinage. Many consider the type to be the very peak of William Wyon's artistic achievement. Depicting England, Ireland, and Scotland anthropomorphized as the Three Graces of Greek mythology wrapped in a circular embrace, the three Goddesses together represent the United Kingdom. The design's neoclassical style and grace are arguably unique to this coin, which remains beloved by collectors for that same reason. It is no exaggeration to say that the present offering ranks as one of the very finest that we have ever seen, the high-gloss finish of its fields stand in striking contrast against the raised features, these nearly matte in appearance and exhibiting an attention to detail that is, plainly speaking, splendid. Noteworthy traces of contact are non-existent throughout, while a superb iridescence graces the sleek fields, metallic oranges and blues creating a striking visual impact that only intensifies to the reverse, itself decorated with such balance and colorful character that it seems nearly unsurpassable in hand. Only a few words adequately sum up what perhaps so many cannot; simply put, a marvel of a coin. From the Paramount Collection."
The production of regular crowns did not commence until 1818 and this design was not used.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 28.28 g, 0.925 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-PnA77, L&S-152, ESC-2020 (R2).
- Bressett, Kenneth E., A Guide Book of English Coins, Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, 2nd Ed., Racine, WI: Whitman Publishing, 1962.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Rayner, P. Alan, and Maurice Bull, English Silver Coinage from 1649, 6th Ed., London: Spink & Son, 2015.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3096, featuring the Paramount Collection of World & Ancient Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
Link to: