Edward VI (1547-53). Pattern silver Shilling, dated 1547 in Roman numerals, possibly engraved by Anthony Levens of fine work, Tower mint, crowned robed bust right of boy King, frosted caul to crown, linear circle and Latin legend with lozenge stops surrounding, initial mark rose, * EDWARD9. VI. REX. ANGL. FRANC. HIBER. Z C, Rev. quartered shield of arms in frame, E to left, R to right, linear circle and Latin legend with lozenge stops surrounding, initial mark rose, *TIMOR. DOMINI. FONS. VITÆ. M.D.XLVII, diameter 26mm, weight 6.97g (Bispham plate 2, number 1; North 1953; Norweb Collection Part 4, Spink 59, 17 June 1987, lot 1394 for example from same dies). Toned, has been graded and slabbed by NGC as MS61, the only example thus far graded and of the highest rarity. Estimate Value $90,000 - UP
Ex Triton XV, Classical Numismatic Group, 3rd January 2012, lot 1914.
NGC certification 4862401-001. For further reading see British Numismatic Journal volume 55, 1985, "the Base Silver Shillings of Edward VI" by Joe Bispham, pages 134-143. This extremely rare pattern Shilling, a highly important piece of true numismatic artistry, is believed to be one of three known to be in private ownership and the finest preserved. Joe Bispham showed that this pattern was linked with the short lived "Durham House" Mint which was situated by the Strand in London, and that it is an early prototype piece of the Shilling denomination which followed on from the Testoon and would have no doubt been a presentation piece. Anthony Levens was a French engraver newly arrived at the Mint in 1547 and this was most likely his work as the boy King Edward VI had taken a specific interest to improve the coinage, as his Father had debased it to such a poor state. The fact that such an impressive piece of fine silver should be produced as a pattern, at a time when the new King had refused to put his name to the regular currency coinage until it was restored to its previous fineness, shows a strong intention to move back in the right direction whilst defining his King-ship and new position as Head of the Church of England. It is known that Anthony Levens also worked on the gold Half-Sovereigns, silver Groats and Half-Groats. The Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Edward the Sixth, King of England, France and Ireland" and on the reverse as "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life," taken from Proverbs 14,27 in the Bible.