Al That Glitters is gold As the Great British summer and all the Olympic celebrations draw to a close Baldwin’s will be busily preparing to sell part two of the landmark Bentley Collection, the ultimate collection of British
and this example has been fantastically preserved. Finally the 1911 C George V specimen strike Gold Sovereign, Imperial type included here is the finest known specimen in private hands. Struck to a specimen finish this highly prized and very rare coin was undoubtedly produced as a presentation piece for the Coronation year of George V, making it a rather special coin and a must have for the serious collector.
On to India and South Africa and of the five lots from the Bombay Mint the 1918 I George V, specimen
Gold Sovereign of the Imperial type is without doubt the highlight. One of the most interesting and unusual pieces in the collection the coin itself cannot be found in any of the standard reference works on the subject. Struck to a specimen finish it is highly likely that the was produced as a presentation piece for the establishment of the Imperial Bombay Mint. From the South African selection two sovereigns from the initial mintage in 1874 depict President Burgers. The first of the coins from the Republic of South Africa, the 1874 Proof Gold Een Pond is the rarer of the two and referred to as the coarse beard variety. This particular coin is a superb example of the coin which was struck at the Heaton mint and displays the Arms of the Republic on the reverse. The second of the two, also an 1874 Proof Gold Een Pond is the more frequently encountered fine beard variety. Nevertheless it is still a major rarity and not many have survived in the pristine condition that we find this one in.
Also present in the collection is the 1898 Republic of South Africa Gold Een Pond, depicturing the bust of President Kruger. This particular example is one of only 130 coins that were counter-stamped with the date ‘99’under the bust. Very few of these coins survived, making this extremely fine coin a true rarity. The final highlight from the South Africa section comes in the form of the George V 1923 SA, Gold Sovereign, Imperial type from the Pretoria mint. The 1923 is the rarest example of the initial striking from the Pretoria mint. As sovereigns were only struck on demand, from gold brought in to the mint, only 406 of these coins were ever struck for currency. This sought-after piece is, of course, one of the best extant.
The first part of the Bentley Collection sold in May 2012 for £899,346 (including Buyer’s Premium.) The remaining two parts will be sold on 27th September 2012 in conjunction with Coinex, the UK’s largest numismatic convention and May 2013. Both are estimated to exceed the total for part one.
Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend these landmark auctions where possible, although the sale will be broadcast over the internet using the services of www.the-saleroom.com. Catalogues will be available online at www.baldwin.co.uk and can also be purchased through our website. A hard-bound edition of all three catalogues will be available soon after the final
