Auction Catalogue

14–16 June 2017

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Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals, Paper Money and Numismatic Books

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Lot

№ 1311

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15 June 2017

Hammer Price:
£140

An ALS by William Wyon to an un-named recipient, sent from His Majesty’s Mint, Wednesday October 15, 1833, two sides. Remains of seal on back, otherwise fine £60-80

The letter reads: “My dear Sir – I left town on Saturday Morning for Northamptonshire, where I have taken my little Boy to School & only returned at a late hour last night which I trust will be a sufficient excuse for my not replying to you yesterday. In the first place allow me to express my best thanks for a copy of your Barometer observations & which I promise myself much pleasure in perusing, although I shall be incapable of entirely intimating the value of such an elaborate performance I trust to obtain information. I enclose you the best account I am able to furnish of the Mint which will probably be sufficient for your purpose. I am happy to say that I have completed the Head of William the fourth for the Obverse die of the Royal Medal. I shall immediately strike a Medal from the Dies. All the Medals of Geo. the Fourth have been engraved with the exception of Ballards which wants for the Christian name, do you know it? Believe me to be, My Dear Sir, Yours truly obliged, W. Wyon.”

The medal Wyon refers to is the King’s Medal for the Royal Society (BHM 1655) and it seems likely that the intended recipient of the letter may have been associated with, or had a connection to, the Royal Society