Owner Comments:
GT. BRITAIN, WILLIAM IV, GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN 1834
(Marsh 410, S-3830).
OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing right, engraved by William Wyon (1795-1851).
REVERSE: A garnished shield modeled and engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850).
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994g
EDGE: Milled.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MINTAGE: 133.899.
RATING: R2 (M.Marsh).
1834 HALF-SOVEREIGN
William's first currency half sovereign was not issued until 1834. There are important facts that should be mentioned regarding this superb half-sovereign.
First the obverse was engraved by William Wyon (1795-1851) from a superb bust of William IV by Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841). The reverse features a beautifully garnished shield modeled and engraved by Jean Baptise Merlen (1769-1850).
It should be noted that this particular half-sovereign has a diameter of only 17.9mm ; this was considerably smaller than any other half-sovereign previously struck during the modern era, and they in fact measured 19.4mm. It was though the same weight and fineness as previous issues (3.994 g and 22 carats).
Finally, though a Treasury order dated 14 April 1835 requested that the half-sovereign should be struck at a reduced size, the only half-sovereigns of this kind are those dated 1834, but they were though the same weight and fineness as previous issues ( 61.637 grains and 916.66 fineness ). Mint Ledgers record that half-sovereigns with a value of 60,000 pounds or 120,000 coins dated 1834 had been recalled and melted, and this was probably as a result of complaints relating to their being very similar to the seven shilling pieces. This is also another reason why 1834 dated half-sovereigns are rated R2 and therefore very sought after.
1834 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 65+
NGC 6384516-040
A conditionally very rare and unbeatable example for its quality and eye appeal.
Visually stunning, this superb GEM lacks any significant signs of contact and with surfaces produced by a firm strike. Slightly proof-like with gleaming luster and lovely gold color.
The reverse design is truly enviable in its boldness and intense luster, retaining an as-struck appearance.
NGC: Pop 1 with none grading higher.
Positioned in the top of NGC's certified population, a premium gem is a unity of natural and manmade virtuosity owing to the plus designation.
Ex Sonntag Auction # 37, Stuttgart, Lot 210, 28 November 2022.
Provenance :
Glendining and Co. Ltd, London.
Erwin Warth Collection. July 1970.
Erwin Warth (1912-1996) was a German Collector, founder of the Erwin Warth Organization of "Flora and Fauna" in Stuttgart Germany. In 1995, Erwin received the EURONATUR award "Partner of the European Natural Heritage" for safeguarding large landscapes for people and nature.
EVENTS IN HISTORY
www.onthisday.com/events/date/1834
Feb. 18 1834 : 1st US labor newspaper, "The Man", published, NYC.
Mar. 18 1834 : 1st railroad tunnel in US completed, in Pennsylvania (275 m long).
Apr. 3 1834 : The generals in the Greek War of Independence stand trial for treason.
May 26 1834 : Portuguese Civil war ends, Dom Miguel capitulates.
June 14, 1834 : Sandpaper patented by Isaac Fischer Jr, Springfield, Vermont.
June 21, 1834 : Historic invention; American inventor and businessman Cyrus McCormick patents the reaping machine.
July 5 1834 : Provisional government forms in Oregon Country.
August 1 1834 : Slavery Abolition Act 1833 comes into effect, abolishes slavery throughout the British Empire.
Slavery Abolition Act, (1833), in British history, act of Parliament that abolished slavery in most British colonies, freeing more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean and South Africa as well as a small number in Canada. It received Royal Assent on August 28, 1833, and took effect on August 1, 1834.
Oct 16 1834 : Much of the ancient structures of the Palace of Westminster (parliament) in London is burnt down.
Nov 14 1834 : Mathematical Physicist and Engineer William Thomson enters Glasgow University at 10 yrs 4 months.
Dec 3 1834 : First US dental society organized (NY).Positioned in the top 4% of NGC's certified population, a premium gem bathed in a tasteful phoenix orange tone that animates that superbly rendered devices, a unity of natural and manmade virtuosity owing to the plus designation.