NGC - Coin of the Day: Today is International Left-Handers Day, so here's a coin that shows one of history's most famous lefties: Queen Victoria. She is depicted on this Great Britain 1837(1893) Silver Crown Pattern, which is offered in a Stack's Bowers sale this month with an estimate of at least $50,000.
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Auction DescriptionA Uniquely Styled Pattern with Immaculate, Originally Toned SurfacesGREAT BRITAIN. Silver "Bonomi" Crown Pattern, "1837" (ca. 1893). Victoria. NGC MS-65.S-Unlisted; KM-Unlisted; ESC-2612 (R2). Mintage: 150; Edge numbered "55". Created by Joseph Bonomi; Dies crafted by Pinches. This is a RARE and fascinating Pattern issue that has not been presented as a silver striking in public auction for several years, with the last instance being our sale of a PCGS Proof-63 example in 2022. Although it does not originate from
Royal Mint dies or production, this proposed incuse Crown stands out as one of the most instantly recognizable pieces that have become integral to the British numismatic collection. It was conceived by the eclectic Joseph Bonomi the Younger, who was born into a family of architects and embraced a variety of other professions, including Egyptologist and sculptor. The minutes from the Numismatic Society of London in November 1837 contain a description of Bonomi's highly original coinage design, which featured all devices and legends sunk beneath the surface in incuse relief. The record states: "Mr. Bonomi's object is to suggest to the government a method of perpetuating the prolife likeness of her Majesty Victoria...". By embedding the devices, the portrait of the monarch could avoid wear; this was a highly innovative idea, one that was not realized in any circulating coin until Bela Lyon Pratt's designs for the Quarter and Half Eagle were adopted by the United States.
The 1837 minutes also feature an illustration of Bonomi's design, which is significantly influenced by his classical inclinations. Victoria is depicted wearing a diadem and surrounded by stars, symbolizing the Egyptian view of the heavens. The reverse side showcases Britannia standing upright, rather than seated as is typically seen, holding Victory, and accompanied by the inscriptions "BRITT MINERVA" and "VICTRIX FID DEF". This reverse design aims to integrate Greco-Roman elements into Victorian imagery, similar to how the obverse seeks to merge British and Egyptian themes. Despite Bonomi's artistic inspiration and the exquisite quality of the design, he never presented it to the Crown for evaluation, leaving it as an unexecuted drawing and a cast mold for many years.
It seems that around 1893, the Pinches Medallists Company brought this design to life in various medals, selling them for 21 Shillings each. Silver versions were produced in a quantity of 150, with this particular example numbered 55. Bonomi's initial design underwent slight modifications, including the addition of a trident in Britannia's left hand, and the stars along the edge were adjusted for uniformity. The final product is a truly breathtaking and exceptionally beautiful piece. Examples of this type are rarely found, especially in this Gem condition. The surfaces are remarkably pristine, with no marks or scratches visible on either side and exhibiting lovely original toning throughout.
Estimate: $50,000 - $60,000.
Posted 08/13/2025 11:36 pm
