1774/3 AR Shilling Virginia PR(PCGS#249)

Spring 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1220

等级

PR58

价格

508,487

详细说明

Extremely Rare 1774 Virginia "Shilling" A Preeminent Colonial Rarity 1774/3 Virginia "Shilling." Newman Plate I, W-1695. Rarity-7+. Proof-58 (PCGS). 86.8 grains. A fantastic rarity, totally distinctive among the Virginia colonial coinage for its silver composition, 1774 date, and unique obverse die. Just five examples are known of this celebrated issue, and two are off the market in museum collections, one in the Smithsonian Institute and another in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Traditionally referred to as a "shilling," and while there is no denomination displayed on the coin nor documentation to that effect, the weight is not far off from the British shillings of the time period, about 10% lighter which is consistent with the copper halfpennies also being debased per the official authorization. The obverse of the 1774 shillings stands out with its larger bust and different legend than the halfpenny obverses, and it has been observed that this obverse type, perhaps this specific die, was used on British gold guineas of the era. The reverse die conforms to the standard halfpenny design, except for the significance difference of the 1774 date. This has come to be called a "1774/3" overdate although it appears to just be repunching of the final 7 and 4 date digits without clear evidence of a 3 beneath. This lovely example, significant for being Newman's personal collection coin and plated in his pioneering reference on the series, shows just the lightest touch of wear on the highest points of the detail and slight loss of luster as reflected in the assigned grade. But the wonderful patina this coin possesses, an even gunmetal-gray with subtle accents of blue and golden-tan, more than makes up for the minor amount of handling. A handful of tiny abrasions can be found on both sides, none of any detriment to the overall outstanding eye appeal. There have been just three auction appearances in the last two decades, including the present coin's offering in the 2014 Newman sale. We had the privilege of handling probably the finest known example in January 2005 as part of the Ford Collection where it realized $115,000 and was acquired by Colonial Williamsburg. The most recent sale was Heritage's January 2021 offering of the Garrett-Partrick specimen graded NGC Proof-62 which brought $96,000. This is a hugely significant and fleeting opportunity to obtain one of just three collectible examples of this historic type. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex B.G. Johnson (probably), 1940s; Heritage's sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part IV, May 2014, lot 30014. Plated in Eric Newman's Coinage for Colonial Virginia, ANS 1956, plate I. Plated in Roger Moore's The Coins of Colonial Virginia, 2019, p. 68. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 249. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]