Great Britain, George III 1774 Half-Guinea Extremely Rare, R5, Single Finest Graded NGC Mint State 62+

The Coin

This is an extremely rare half sovereign in an unheard-of condition. Rated R5 by Bull (2020), there are between just six and ten examples known. Collectors will often find themselves waiting years for an opportunity to purchase a high-grade example of this rare issue and this is a higher-grade example than has been offered at auction in at least two decades. This issue is so rare that there have only been four other examples offered at auction in this same period and there are only two other coins graded by NGC and none by PCGS. There was no example in the Slaney Collection.

The condition is exceptional. Yeo’s relatively youthful depiction of George III is very boldly struck – rare for this period. The reverse features some weakness but is as well struck as is seen of the issue or possibly better. Both sides of the coin drip with mint gleam and sparkle with the slightest movement. Half-guineas are so rarely seen like this, especially one that is rated R5… a very rare opportunity, indeed.

Richard Yeo (c.1720-79)

Richard Yeo first came to prominence in 1746 upon his creation of the official medal for the Battle of Culloden. From 1749, he was assistant engraver at the Royal Mint under the great John Sigmund Tanner. In 1775, Yeo officially succeeded Tanner as Chief Engraver at the mint. However, as a result of Tanner’s failing eyesight and other health issues Yeo had been acting effectively as Chief Engraver since 1760 but without the appropriate pay. This was amended in 1768 when he was awarded £500 for past labours. Tanner designed and engraved British coinage as Chief until his death in 1779. Yeo was an extremely accomplished engraver producing several patterns and circulation issues throughout his career and his particularly fine style brought a delicate realism to coins of the period.

Yeo was also a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists (1761-91) and founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts. He exhibited his works at the Academy in both 1769 and 1770.

The British Collection

This coin graced the illustrious British Collection, sold by the Swiss auction house SINCONA in two parts. The collection is one of the most complete and important collections of British coinage ever to exist. Assembled over 50 years of collecting with pieces spanning nearly six centuries and all of astounding quality, the collection sold for $5.8 million and stands as a momentous event in British numismatics, likely not to be bested for years to come.

It is worth noting however that many of the coins in the sale were sold without their provenances, much of which were of the highest prestige. Independent research on our part has been successful in reuniting some of these significant pieces with their history.