Victoria 1887 Two-Pounds, AU58, Golden Jubilee issue, DISH C205 rarest obv. die

Victoria (1837-1901), gold Two Pounds, 1887, Jubilee type crowned bust left, both lower crown band lines weak, eight beads to each crown arch, J.E.B. initials fully on truncation, angled short J, legend surrounding VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, the B close to right side of crown, with toothed border and raised rim both sides, no indent at rear of bust for lower pellet of final colon,rev.St George and dragon right, shorter date figures slightly doubled in exergue with misaligned 7, tiny B.P to upper right of exergue, trace of second stop only, 16.00g (DISH C205; Hill T24 R5; Bull EGC 1315 R5; Dyer 1b/2; S.3865). Lightly toned with underlying proof-like brilliance, nicks and light surface marks both sides, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as AU58, the rarest currency variation of the Jubilee Double Sovereign.

NGC Certification 8534529-001.

The Latin legend translates as "Victoria by the grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith."

Calendar year mintage of 91,345 of which this die combination is thought to account for only 350 pieces.

The Golden Jubilee year for Queen Victoria and the first Double Sovereign of the reign, which has a reported Calendar year mintage of 91,345. The dies set up to strike this unusual pairing are thought to relate to the lowest production daily total of 350 pieces which were all pyxed on the 8^th August 1887. The obverse has the word BRITT further towards the crown than the usual currency issue akin to what was used for the proof strikings and this rarest currency die variety always seems to come with proof-like fields on the obverse side suggesting a special striking which is linked to the 350 pieces in one day output.

For the most up to date story of the 1887 Two Pound piece see booklet produced by Sovereign Rarities (available by post on request) "1887 Jubilee Head Two Pound Pieces of Queen Victoria" by David Iverson and edited by Steve Hill (DISH) where all varieties are listed in detail.