GREAT BRITAIN. Mint Error -- Cracked Planchet -- 5 Guineas, 1701 Year DECIMO TERTIO. London Mint. William III. PCGS MS-61. S-3456; Fr-310; KM-508. Variety with scepters in angles. "Fine Work" style. One of the classics of British numismatics, revered on account of its exceptionally engraved portrait and connection to Isaac Newton. Gold coinage prior to this issue was often shallowly engraved and presented a somewhat banal look on this account. Newton, in his position as Master of the Royal Mint, introduced scientific procedures and principles of management to the coining of new monies, and he strove to develop a more lifelike portraiture of the monarch. The result is this beloved type, representing the finest combination of technical expertise and artisanship to the production of gold coinage that the Royal Mint had yet seen. Engraved by the German Protestant John Croker, the workmanship on the bust is truly marvelous, providing exquisite particulars in the hair and laurels. The present example offers splendid preservation, with wear not touching the fine work. A shimmering and incredibly original luster hugs the surfaces in a glided embrace. As the holder notes, there is a crack in the planchet running from 6 oclock upwards until just under the chin of the monarch. Some light friction and marking are also noted, but these drawbacks should be viewed holistically in the context of this coin. As one of the preeminent and most popular of British types, Mint State examples always command much attention and respect whenever they surface to market. This specimen displays the full grandeur of Newtons vison, John Crokers engraving, and the Royal Mints striking. On these artistic merits, this example deserves a lofty position in the collection of an advanced British collector. <strong>To view all items from the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=Salton+Collection&limit=36&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a></strong> From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.
