£6,000
UNITED KINGDOM. Victoria, 1837-1901.
Gold Sovereign, 1859. London. Ansell.
The name 'Ansell' sovereign comes from George Frederick Ansell who worked at the mint and contributed to refining its processes. In 1859 a gold batch valued at £167,539 was deemed unfit for striking coinage due to its brittle nature. Ansell discovered a way to refine this batch without annealing and added the second hairband to Victoria's bust for easy identification, yet disguised enough to enter circulation. Ansell's coins were found to be much tougher than other sovereigns and he was awarded an official Thank You note by the Royal Mint along with £100 for his efforts. These Ansell sovereigns are some of the most sought after varieties due to the unusual story behind them.
Second young head of Victoria facing left; hair held in place by two ribbons, lower ribbon with an additional line that signifies the Ansell variety; date below truncation of bust; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. / Crowned shield within wreath; thistle, rose and shamrock below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:.
In secure plastic holder, graded PCGS AU55 , certification number 28672189.
PCGS population in this grade: 15.
PCGS population in higher grade: 6.
Reference: Fr-387g; KM-736.3; Marsh-42A; S-3852E
Mintage: 167,539.
Diameter: 22.05 mm.
Weight: 7.9881 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Composition: 917/1000 Gold.
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