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SOVEREIGN RARITIES AUCTION XXIISovereign Rarities will be hosting Auction XXII on June 3. Additional select items are discussed below. The coins in this sale chart the evolution of British minting technology from the mid-19th century onward, highlighting experimental phases of Royal Mint production rather than standard circulation coinage. -Garrett The milled section Sovereign Rarities Auction XXII presents an impressive concentration of proof and pattern material, ranging from high-grade Victorian rarities to early 20th-century British gold and commemorative issues. Together, these coins chart the evolution of British minting technology from the mid-19th century onward, highlighting experimental phases of Royal Mint production rather than standard circulation coinage. Lots 32–50 centre on the reign of George IV and feature a strong selection of early Sovereigns alongside important pattern issues. Several examples are certified by NGC in Mint State or About Uncirculated grades, including an 1821 Sovereign graded MS63 (Lot 33) and estimated at £4,000–5,000. The group is further strengthened by several fascinating proof and pattern strikings. Lot 46 is an 1820 silver Pattern Shilling estimated at £3,500–5,000, while Lot 48 offers an 1820 silver Pattern Sixpence graded PF63 with an estimate of £4,000–6,000. Another particularly intriguing piece is Lot 50, an undated silver Pattern Penny estimated at £2,500–3,000. Pattern pennies from this period are highly sought after due to their extremely limited production and the small number of surviving examples outside institutional collections. Attention then shifts to the reign of William IV, represented by a notable run of circulation Sovereigns in certified Mint State and About Uncirculated grades, including rare First Bust and Second Bust varieties from 1831 and 1832. The highlight of this section is undoubtedly Lot 51, an 1831 gold proof Sovereign struck in 24 carat fine gold, this example has been graded by NGC as PF65 Ultra Cameo and estimated at £12,000–18,000. Proof Sovereigns of William IV are regarded among the great rarities of British numismatics, admired for their deeply mirrored fields and sharp cameo contrast. The varieties in portrait are of particular interest to specialist collectors as they document subtle changes in royal portraiture during the short reign. The Victorian portion begins with Lot 64, an 1838 Sovereign from the first year of Queen Victoria's reign estimated at £1,200 – 1,500. Historically important, it marks the beginning of what would become the longest continuous Sovereign portrait series of the 19th century. Further into the Victorian series, Lot 75 features a unique 1847 silver Sixpence estimated at £700–900. Coins of this nature are especially desirable because many were struck experimentally or produced as presentation pieces rather than circulation. Another standout is Lot 76, an 1837 silver proof Groat graded PF58 and estimated at £4,000–6,000. This extremely rare Royal Mint proof striking utilises a later Threepence obverse from the 1866-79 period coupled with an 1837 Proof Groat die of King William IV and it is therefore a most interesting mule between the two reigns. The sale's emphasis on experimental bronze coinage becomes especially evident with Lot 77, an 1860 bronzed copper proof Penny graded PF65 Brown and estimated at £3,500–4,500. The year 1860 marked Britain's transition from heavy copper pennies to the new bronze coinage introduced under Victoria, making surviving trial and specimen strikings from this period particularly significant. Among the rarest pieces offered is Lot 78, an 1862 nickel-brass Pattern Penny with the Coronet Head portrait, graded PF63 and estimated at £7,000–9,000. Experimental metallic compositions such as nickel-brass were tested by the Royal Mint as part of efforts to improve durability and efficiency, though few examples survived because they were never intended for circulation. Pattern coinage continues with Lot 79, an 1870 bronze Pattern Penny graded PF64 Brown and estimated at £5,000–7,000. Lot 80, meanwhile, presents a remarkable circulation-strike 1882 bronze Penny graded MS64 Red Brown, currently the highest graded example by NGC, carrying an estimate of £10,000–12,000. Victorian pennies in such preserved condition are exceptionally rare, as most entered extensive circulation. One of the most important copper pieces in the run is Lot 81, an 1860 Young Head copper Pattern Halfpenny graded PF64 Brown and estimated at £10,000–12,000. Transitional bronze halfpennies are keenly collected because of their rarity and the variety of portrait and reverse experiments conducted by the Royal Mint during this period of reform. Lots 82 and 83 continue the experimental theme with additional halfpenny trial pieces from the 1860s, including an incomplete-date bronze trial and a brass striking from 1867. These coins provide valuable insight into the Royal Mint's internal development processes and are appreciated as much for their historical importance as for their rarity. The section culminates with what is arguably its finest offering: Lot 91, the celebrated 1926 uniface matte proof "Peace" Crown graded PF63 and estimated at £20,000–30,000. Designed in the aftermath of the First World War as a symbolic issue celebrating peace and imperial unity, the Peace Crown remains one of the most iconic British coins of the 20th century. Its uniface proof format, struck on only one side, makes this example especially rare, technically fascinating, and historically significant. 
George IV (1820-30), g George IV (1820-30), gold Sovereign, 1821, first laureate head left, B.P. below neck for Benedetto Pistrucci, legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D:, rev. St. George and dragon right, date in exergue, B.P. to upper right of exergue, raised WWP on ground line below lance (Bentley 12; Hill 5; Bull EGC 959; M.C.E. 471; S.3800). Light tone, some light surface marks, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as MS63.
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George IV (1820-30), George IV (1820-30), Pattern silver Shilling, 1820, first laureate head left, B.P. for Benedetto Pistrucci below neck, legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D:, rev. inverted die axis, first crowned quartered shield of arms, seven strings to Irish harp, with an escutcheon of the Arms of Hanover, emblems surrounding, ANNO 1820 below, raised W W P at centre of alternate shamrock leaves for Master William Wellesley Pole, edge milled, 5.69g (Bull 2394 R5; Davies 210; ESC 1246 R5; cf.S.3810). Toned with a little wear to high points, hairlined obverse from some light brushing, otherwise good extremely fine with cameo effect, has been slabbed by NGC as Proof details obverse cleaned, extremely rare.
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George IV (1820-30), George IV (1820-30), Pattern silver Sixpence, 1820, struck in pure silver, first laureate head left, B.P. for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci below neck, legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D:, rev. inverted die axis, first crowned quartered shield of arms, with an escutcheon of the Arms of Hanover at centre, eight strings to Irish harp, emblems surrounding, ANNO 1820 below, tiny initials J B M in the border teeth to left of thistle leaf for engraver J B Merlen, raised W W P at centre of alternate shamrock leaves for Master William Wellesley Pole, edge milled, 2.78g (Bull 2420 R6; Davies 250; ESC 1653 R6; cf.S.3813). Attractively toned, one slight rim nick on reverse, otherwise practically as struck, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF63, extremely rare, only a very few known to exist.
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George IV (1820-30), George IV (1820-30), Crown sized Pattern, struck in silver, undated, possibly for a Penny on a 36mm flan, medallic style portrait obverse, laureate and draped bust left, legend and linear raised rim surrounding, GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:, rev. struck en medaille, penny design as used for the 1806-07 copper coin, Britannia seated left on rocks with heraldic shield, holding trident and olive branch, raised K for Kuchler below shield, SOHO on rock, sailing ship facing right on left horizon of sea in field, plain exergue, legend above surrounding BRITANNIA, beaded border and raised rim surrounding, edge plain though with vertical witness lines in four places where a plain edge segmented collar has been applied in the striking, 19.28g (Peck page 399 records this and the companion gold piece; BHM 1194 for a similar obverse design; L&S -). Toned with a couple of spots near rim, extremely fine and unique, the only other example known in struck in gold, with a lengthy provenance.
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William IV (1830-37), g William IV (1830-37), gold Proof Sovereign, 1831, struck in fine gold of 24 carats to a lighter weight than standard, second bare head right, nose points to second I in legend with squarer interior to ear and differing hair arrangement, W.W. incuse on truncation, GULIELMUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:, toothed border around rim both sides, rev. crowned quartered shield of arms in frame, ANNO 1831 below, edge plain, 7.69g (Bentley 24; Bull EGC 1037 R3; Hill 16D S; S.3829B). Toned, with surface marks and hairlines, has been graded and slabbed by NGC as PF65 Ultra Cameo.
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Victoria (1837-1901), g Victoria (1837-1901),gold Sovereign, 1838, first young head left, W.W. raised on truncation for engraver William Wyon, date below, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA,rev. crowned quartered shield of arms within laurel wreath, emblems below, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, BRITANNIARUM REGINIA FID: DEF: (Hill 22; S.3852).Some surface marks due to circulation wear, hairline scratch in hair, rim a little uneven, otherwise good fine. Sold in Royal Mint Collector's pouch.
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Victoria (1837-1901) Victoria (1837-1901), silver Sixpence, 1847, first young head left, legend VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:, toothed border around rim both sides, rev. inverted die axis, SIX / PENCE in two lines at centre of crowned laurel and oak wreath, date below, edge milled, 2.50g (Bull 3181 R6; ESC p.160 note 1; S.3908). Toned, worn from circulation, scratched with graffiti both sides, numerals scratched on bust in three lines "14/8/89" perhaps a date, reverse with an apparent repeat of this date in one line across SIX of value but not as distinct, poor to fair overall and slabbed by NGC as AG details graffiti, still the only Sixpence known with a date of 1847, unique.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), silver Proof Groat, dated 1837, young filleted head left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F: D: rev. inverted die axis, Britannia seated right with trident and shield, date in exergue, FOUR PENCE legend surrounding, edge milled (Bull 3318 R6; ESC 1929A R6; Davies 1200; S.3913). Toned, handling marks both sides, a patch of light scratches under ear, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF58 and of the highest rarity.
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Victoria (1837-1901) Victoria (1837-1901), bronzed copper proof Penny, 1860, beaded borders both sides, laureate head bust in bodice facing left, L. C. WYON signature raised at rear of truncation, partly upon bust for designer Leonard Charles Wyon, legend with linear circle surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. draped Britannia seated wearing plumed helmet facing right on rocks with shield and holding trident, L.C.W. designer initials incuse on ground below shield, lighthouse on rocks to left, ship sailing away to right, sea meets linear circle, denomination ONE PENNY surrounding design, date in exergue, 10.94g (Peck 1622 dies 1+B R; Freeman 4 dies 1+A R17; Gouby BP 1860CA dies C1/a1 R9; Attwood 6,a; S.3954). Toned, with a pleasing deep chocolate brown colour, just some tiny black flecks and specks both sides, practically as struck with contemporary turned wooden roundel box, green label affixed inside lid with contemporary blue fountain pen ink writing in nine lines "Bronzed Proof Impression of the new penny to be executed in white metal 1860. Presented to Mrs Letts by L. C. Wyon esq. Medalists", has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF65 Brown, very rare indeed.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), pattern Penny, 1862, struck in "nickel brass", toothed borders, bust in bodice facing left with coronet on head and ribbon flowing behind, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. draped Britannia seated wearing plumed helmet facing right on rocks with shield and holding trident, no initials on groundline, lighthouse on rocks to left with bell shaped top and five vertical lines as lantern, ship sailing away to right, the sea crosses the linear circle, denomination ONE PENNY surrounding design, date in exergue, 9.38g (Peck 2060 EXR; Freeman 770 R19; Gouby BP 1862PN dies C2/g R9; S.-). A lustrous and well executed pattern, toned practically as struck, slabbed and graded by NGC as PF63, extremely rare.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), pattern bronze Penny, 1870, toothed borders, bust in bodice facing left with coronet on head and ribbon flowing behind, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. draped Britannia seated wearing plumed helmet facing right on rocks with shield and holding trident, no initials on groundline, lighthouse on rocks to left with bell shaped top and five vertical lines as lantern, ship sailing away to right, the sea crosses the linear circle, denomination ONE PENNY surrounding design, 9.33g (Peck 2062 ER; Freeman 774 R18; Gouby BP1870PP dies C2/g R9; S.-). Toned with some residual lustre outlining the design and wording, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF64 Brown, practically as struck, extremely rare.
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Victoria (1837-1901) Victoria (1837-1901), bronze Penny, 1882, no mint mark therefore Royal Mint issue, toothed borders with more finer teeth both sides, laureate head bust in bodice facing left, fifteen leaf wreath with four berries, raised veins recessed in leaves, more hooked nose with weak bridge, no designer signature below bust, legend with linear circle surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. thinner draped Britannia seated wearing plumed helmet facing right on rocks with shield and holding trident, plain sections of diagonal cross on shield outlined with raised lines, thinner trident shaft, no initials on groundline, lighthouse on rocks to left with four uneven lantern lines, ship sailing away to right, the sea meets the linear circle, denomination ONE PENNY surrounding design, date in exergue (Peck -; Freeman 112 dies 11+N R17; Gouby BP 1882A dies P/r R9; S.3954). Lightly toned over considerable lustre both sides, just a few light hairline surface marks, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as MS64 RB, extremely rare being the non-Heaton issue, but of the highest rarity being so well preserved with only one other known to be of the same grade level but this coin the superior example with the "Red Brown" rating.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), copper Pattern Halfpenny, 1860, young filleted head left, W:W. incuse on truncation, date below, legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA, rev. struck en medaille, Britannia seated right with trident and shield, emblematic spray of rose thistle and shamrock in exergue, legend and toothed border surrounding design, BRITANNIAR: REG: FID: DEF:, 9.40g (Peck 1552 ER; S.3949). Toned, good extremely fine practically as struck, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF64 Brown, extremely rare, purportedly less than 10 struck.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), bronze Halfpenny, 186-, Specimen Trial Strike from an unfinished die with incomplete date, "bun" type laureate and draped bust left, four berries in wreath of 16 leaves, SPECIMEN vertically in raised letters in field before face, OF vertically in field behind bust, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. Britannia seated right on rock with trident and shield, breastplate of incuse lines, lighthouse to left, ship to right, TRIAL vertically in raised letters in field above ship, DIES vertically in raised letters in field above lighthouse, denomination in words and toothed border surrounding, 5.59g (Fr.769C dies 7+G R20; cf.S.3956). Toned with a degree of wear both sides, some flecked striations in fields and exergue, other nicks and handling marks, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as XF40 Brown, of the highest rarity as an intriguing trial piece.
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Victoria (1837-1901), Victoria (1837-1901), Halfpenny, struck in brass, 1867, from a cancelled die, "bun" type laureate and draped bust left, four berries in wreath of 16 leaves, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. Britannia seated right on rock with trident and shield, breastplate of incuse lines, lighthouse to left, ship to right, date in exergue, denomination in words and toothed border surrounding, 5.22g (cf.Peck 1787; cf.Fr.300 dies 7+G; S.3956). Toned with wear and softness plus the raised line of cancellation across the obverse field with other hairline raised striations, series of raised hairline striations in exergue and to left of ship, scratches on bust and one in field, otherwise almost fine and of the highest rarity, unrecorded in the standard texts and the only example in private hands.
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George V (1910-36), George V (1910-36), Uniface Trial Pattern Reverse for a Crown, 1926, designed by Francis Derwent Wood, engraved by Humphrey Paget, struck with a matt surface, classical figure personifying Britannia seated on a chaise right, wearing chain mail and draped, olive branch in leading hand, caduceus in other hand, plumed helmet at feet, date in Roman numerals in exergue, MCMXXVI, legend surrounding design, GIVE PEACE IN OUR TIME O LORD, raised linear border surrounding all, rev. blank, edge milled (cf.KM TSA6 note; Royal Mint Museum 1865; Bull 3630A R7). With matt proof finish on obverse which is a little speckled, unevenly toned on reverse, practically as struck, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF63, this being the only example known with a blank reverse of this intriguing pattern of the highest rarity.
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See www.sovr.co.uk for much more detail about all of these coins, medallions and more!
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