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Auction: 21171 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 14: 50th Anniversary of Decimalisation - e-Auction
Lot: 9122

PF68 ULTRA CAMEO | *Top Pop* | Decimal Trials | Elizabeth II (1952-), Pattern 25 New Pence, [1972], a Uniface Reverse Model after T H Paget, in cupro-nickel, for the Royal Wedding Anniversary 1947-1972, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh K.G.K.T., edge plain, 39.95mm., 11h (KM TS1), a most handsome design lamentably never employed for the Royal Commemorative Crown issued in 1972, but utilised for the Official 2017 'Lifetime of Service' Five-Pounds release, rendering this private striking an important artistic trial in the development of Decimal Currency, and historic last commission by Thomas Humphrey Paget from the Royal Mint in the continuance of the popular Crown for the modern collecting audience, brilliant uncirculated, extremely rare, in NGC holder, graded PF68 ULTRA CAMEO (Cert. 5878648-001)

Provenance
The Money Co. Auction [Richard Nelson, Tarzana, CA], Hong Kong International Coin Exposition, 19-20 May 1989, lot 1073

Thomas Humphrey Paget (1893-1974) is best known for his coin portraiture of Edward VIII and George VI, as well as for his 'Golden Hind' depiction intended for the Halfcrown but eventually selected for every issue of Halfpenny between 1937 and decimalisation. The 1960s however resulted in ailing eyesight and unsuccessful submissions for the 1965 Memorial Churchill Crown.

However his final commission from the Royal Mint came in 1970 and a medallic portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh. Uncustomary for Paget, but three attempts were needed before the present design was met with. The first a three-quarters bust satisfied no-one, least of all the artist. The second brought the portrait into profile, but again was rejected by the artist. His third attempt 'produced what is almost certainly the finest so far of all the medallic portraits of the Duke.' (G P Dyer, NumChron, 1980, pp. 175). Paget remained unconvinced, finding trouble with the hair and was especially critical of the truncation. These doubts soon evaporated when the subject, Prince Philip passed on his thanks for the 'splendid' rendering.

His approved plaster cast was employed by Paget for his design for the 1972 Commemorative Crown, which can only be lamented for not having been struck as official specie. His models however formed part of the artist and engraver's effects dispersed in his various Glendining sales (April 1972 and November 1984). As a consequence Crown-sized 'models' were produced posthumously, probably in the United States in 1975. No examples can be traced in this metal by this cataloguer at global public auction this the millennium.

XRF analysis conducted by NGC confirm elemental composition to be 75% Copper, 25% Nickel. Their report is included with the lot

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Estimate

Starting price
£250