Victoria silver Uniface Obverse Trial Pattern Crown ND (c. 1860) MS65 NGC, ESC-Unl., L&S-Unl. 33mm. 26.24gm. By L. C. Lauer of Nuremberg for Adolph Weyl. A highly enigmatic piece, cloaked in considerable intrigue. Unlisted in every major reference work, this has been attributed as a Crown by NGC; however, it is the incorrect weight for this denomination or indeed any other. Its size and thickness matches that of a copper Penny, and as Adolph Weyl made his attempts at presenting Patterns for both homeland and colonial use in 1860 (the date large copper pennies switched over to bronze) and again in 1887, this could accordingly be a silver Pattern for a Penny dating from 1860, rather than 1845 as listed on the holder. However, this same punch is noted on the gold Pattern Crown we offered in our January 2013 NYINC sale, and as it is known that Lauer's uniface Patterns rarely conformed to British weight standards, we must conclude that the intended denomination for this piece is uncertain. The mystery aside, the offering exhibits undeniable charm, toned a gentle dove-gray with a golden halo to the devices and light steel-blue patina in the fields; clearly a trial which was treated with reverence, remaining in gem-level grade with no wear nor hardship at all. Interestingly the reverse, although blank, has been given a beaded border. Presumed unique, we have no doubt that this piece will attract considerable interest from British numismatists for its eye appeal and the enigma it represents. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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