Great Britain. Crown, 1746. S.3689; Dav-1350; ESC-125. By John Tanner. Second, older, draped, laureate bust of King left. GEORGIUS.II. DEI.GRATIA, LIMA below. Reverse, crowned cruciform shields, date 17 46, inverted die axis. Edge has DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI DECIMO NONO in raised letters. A beautiful nearly mint state coin with peripheral toning in the lettering and lots of mint luster. Surfaces have a little flecking which is normal on the LIMA silver coinage. But overall, great eye appeal on this classic English crown. NGC graded AU-58. *The story behind England's LIMA coinage is oft repeated! According to the text accompanying the Millennia Collection 1746 Crown, Lima-marked coins were struck from Spanish bullion seized by Captain George Anson under orders from the Admiralty during his trans-global ocean voyage of 1740-1744. When 11 Spanish treasure ships captured off the Philippines were sailed back to Portsmouth and the precious metal delivered to the mint in London, Anson became the most famous Admiral of his day. Anson's six warships were at sea for three years and nine months. While his crew were beset by scurvy, his squadron of ships endured storms, shipwrecks and furious battles, costing him 5 ships and 1400 of his 1900 personnel. But he captured many prizes of booty, and took the long-sought Spanish trading galleon La Nuestra senora de Cavadonga with a cargo of 36,000 ounces of silver and some gold! In December 1743 he returned home to England, eventually reached the rank of First Lord of the Admiralty and was elevated to the peerage. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. Categories: Balance of World Crowns and Minors
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