Victoria, three Silvered Electrotypes of reverse designs for United Kingdom coins, circa 1891, attributed to John Macallan Swan, R.A.; each uniface and evidently displayed in the past from wire mounts fixed with plaster to the blank reverses, generally in very fine condition and comprising: Ten Shillings, depicting a galleon under sail (broadly resembling the standard type of the gold noble), with legend one half of a pound / ten shillings, 94mm; Crown, dated 1891 and depicting St Michael spearing the Dragon (broadly resembling the standard type of the gold angel), legend ONE CROWN / ANNO D: 1891, with crown stops, DIEU ET MON DROIT on riband above, 80mm approx.; Halfcrown, depicting the blindfolded figure of Justice enthroned, holding sword and scales, lion and unicorn supporters at sides facing outwards, (apparently inspired by the standard type of the medieval gold sovereign), legend HALF A CROWN / ONE EIGHTH OF A POUND, with six-pointed star stops DIEU ET MON DROIT on ribandbehind throne, 80mm approx. (3) Provenance: From the studio of the artist, sculptor and medallist John Macallan Swan, R.A. (1846-1910) and thence by descent. Although unsigned, these interesting, quite fanciful designs are felt to reflect Swan’s naturalistic style; they are attributed on this basis to the artist himself. Both J.M. Swan and his daughter Mary Alice Swan are recorded as medallists by Forrer, who notes a portrait medal which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1900 (B.D.M. V, p. 717).

Estimate: GBP 500-1000