1902 matte proof Double Sovereign/gold Two Pound from King E...

Hammer

£1,700

1902 matte proof Double Sovereign/gold Two Pound from King Edward VII's coronation year (S 3968, Schneider 662). Obverse: George William de Saulles' bare head portrait of Edward VII, facing right, the legend reads: EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:'. Reverse: classic St George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci with the date below (1902) and the artist's initials to the right. Originally issued as part of a proof set. Annual mintage: 8,066. Composition: 9167 gold. Finish: matte proof. Weight: 15.96g. Diameter: 28.4mm.This coin was originally issued by The Royal Mint as part of an unusual 'long' matte proof set, issued to mark King Edward VII's 1902 coronation. Edward succeeded his mother, Queen Victoria, who has passed away the previous year though the ceremony was postponed due to the King's illness.1902 'long' proof sets contained four gold coins (Five Sovereign, Double Sovereign, 'full' Sovereign and Half Sovereign) as well as examples of all five circulating silver coins, plus four Maundy Money pieces. These sets represent the only time matte finish coins have been issued for a coronation by the Royal Mint. Just 8,066 sets of this kind were produced.