George II 1733 Pattern Two-Guinea, extremely rare PCGS PR53

George II (1727-60), Pattern gold Two Guineas, 1733, young laureate head left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS. II . DEI. GRATIA, rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, date either side of crown, abbreviated Latin legend, M.B.F. ET. H. REX. F.D. B.ET. L. D. S. R. I. A. T ET. E. edge plain, weight 15.88g (Schneider -; Bull EGC 564 R5; WR 69 R5; S.3667). Toned with light wear to high points both sides, has been graded and slabbed by PCGS as PR53 and extremely rare.

PCGS Certification 786675.53/29777387.

The Latin legends translate to on obverse "George II by the Grace of God" continuing on the reverse in abbreviated Latin which if in shown in full reads "Magnae Britanniae Franciae et Hiberniae Rex Fidei Defensor Brun et Lunebergen-sis Dux, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi-Thesaurius et Elector" and translates as "King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg, High Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire."

Such pieces were struck to proof quality for special presentation. Though the reason is lost to history presently, it is perhaps significant that 1733 was the year that finally all the old hammered gold was demonetised and taken out of circulation once and for all. Perhaps one of the last batches were melted to make a special proof issue such as this?

Provenance:

Ex London Coins Auction 150, 3^rd September 2015, lot 3120.