Rare NGC-certified British Coins Featured in Sale Presented by The Royal Mint and Taisei

Seasoned numismatists searching for the finest examples of vintage and newly minted collectible coins know that the Tokyo International Coin Convention (TICC) is a show that does not disappoint. Launched in 1990, the TICC has grown over the years to be the premier coin show in Japan.

This year’s TICC is even more highly anticipated due to a first-of-its-kind auction that will take place during the event. Being held April 29, the sale is a joint effort organized by The Royal Mint and Taisei Coins that will feature rare British, Japanese and other world coins. Established in 886 during the reign of Alfred the Great, The Royal Mint serves as the exclusive mint for coins of the United Kingdom and assists in the minting of coins for 60 other countries. Taisei Coins is Japan’s largest numismatic firm and an internationally recognized authority on coins.

Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) is honored to have certified a number of the coins in this auction that were originally struck by The Royal Mint and are now encapsulated with a special commemorative label honoring The Royal Mint.

Among the numismatic treasures being offered is an extremely rare Type 2 Henry VII Sovereign that was hand-struck in gold at The Royal Mint the same year that Christopher Columbus launched his famous voyage to the new world. Only two examples of this coin are known to be in private hands, with this 1492 example being the oldest gold sovereign available to collectors.

Type 2 Henry VII Sovereign graded NGC AU 50 Click images to enlarge.

The coin was once owned by the famous US financier J.P. Morgan before being reacquired by The Royal Mint. It was encapsulated with a special label celebrating The Royal Mint as “The Original Maker.” Graded NGC AU 50 (lot 438), it has a starting price of ¥100,000,000 (about $800,000). To learn more about this coin, click here.

Another standout coin in the sale is an 1817 Three Graces Silver Pattern Proof Coin (lot 483), which is known for the depiction of Ireland, England and Scotland on the reverse of the coin. Drawing upon a famous sculpture by Antonio Canova, the design portrays the countries as three women in classical dress embracing each other.

Great Britain 1817 Three Graces Silver Pattern Crown graded NGC PF 65 Click images to enlarge.

Cherished for its rarity and its beauty, the coin was designed by the world-renowned engraver William Wyon as part of a competition with Benedetto Pistrucci. After Pistrucci’s design was chosen as the winner, only a small number of coins with Wyon’s design were minted. Graded NGC PF 65, this example is also encapsulated with a commemorative label honoring The Royal Mint. It has a starting price of ¥25,000,000 (about $200,000).

Other notable British coins in the auction include:

• an England 1643 Charles I Triple Unite graded NGC AU 50 (lot 443), with a starting price of ¥9,000,000 (about $72,300)
• a Great Britain 2021 Gold 1,000 Pounds - The Queen’s Beasts Completer Coin graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 573), with a starting price of ¥9,000,000 (about $72,300)
• an England (1594-96) Elizabeth I Pound graded NGC AU 58 and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 442), with a starting price of ¥4,200,000 (about $33,800)
• a Great Britain 2021 Gold 500 Pounds – The Great Engravers, Three Graces graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 569), with a starting price of ¥3,600,000 (about $28,900)
• a Great Britain 2020 Gold 500 Pounds – The Great Engravers, Three Graces graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 567), with a starting price of ¥3,200,000 (about $25,700)
• an England (1544-47) Henry VIII Southwark Sovereign graded NGC XF 40 and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 439), with a starting price of ¥3,000,000 (about $24,100)
• a Great Britain 1823 2 Sovereign graded NGC MS 66+ (lot 487), with a starting price of ¥2,500,000 (about $20,100)
• a Great Britain 1887 5 Sovereign - No Initials graded NGC PF 62 Cameo (lot 514), with a starting price of ¥2,500,000 (about $20,100)
• an England undated Cliche Silver Pattern graded NGC MS 61 and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 450), with a starting price of ¥1,800,000 (about $14,700)
• an England 1673 5 Guineas graded NGC XF 40 (lot 452), with a starting price of ¥1,500,000 (about $12,100)
• a Great Britain 1911 Gold George V Coronation Medal graded NGC MS 65 (lot 578), with a starting price of ¥1,500,000 (about $12,100)
• a Great Britain 1910 Silver Pattern Crown with Plain Edge graded NGC PF 63 Matte and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 525), with a starting price of ¥1,400,000 (about $11,300)
• a Great Britain 1774 Guinea graded NGC PF 63 and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 472), with a starting price of ¥1,300,000 (about $10,500)
• An England 1651 Commonwealth Gold Double Crown graded NGC MS 61 and encapsulated with a special NGC label (“The Royal Mint - The Original Maker”) (lot 447), with a starting price of ¥1,200,000 (about $9,600)

Starting prices are provided by the auction house. The $ symbol represents US Dollars.