GREAT BRITAIN. Edward VIII Abdication Gold Medal, 1936. London (Pinches) Mint. NGC MS-66. BHM-4277; Eimer-Unlisted; Giordano-CM347D. By L. E. Pinches. Diameter: 34mm. Mintage: 100. Obverse: Crowned and robed bust right, wearing Chain of the Garter; Reverse: ASCENDED / THE THRONE / JAN 20TH 1936 / ABDICATED / DEC 10TH / 1936 in six lines; all within wreath. A <strong>VERY RARE</strong> and enthralling specimen, this radiant Gem employs a matte finish to the surfaces that undoubtedly captures the gaze of all who view it. Rather than celebrating a coronation, this issue instead commemorates the abdication of Edward. Compare to a similar example, also an NGC MS-66, that realized a total of $20,400 [!] in our May 2022 Hong Kong auction (Lot # 55279).<p><em>As the future king had fallen in love with American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and since marriage to a divorced individual was not allowed, he chose instead to relinquish the crown, with it passing to younger brother, Albert. Despite the event chronicled, this type is clearly an absolute inclusion into any top coronation medal set or collection of issues relating to the Duke of Windsor--the former Edward VIII.</em> <strong>To view all items from the Augustana Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=the+Augustana+Collection&limit=36&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a></strong> From the Augustana Collection.
