g Edward VII (1901-10), 13 coin matt proof long Set, 1902, Coronation issue, obverse designed by George William De Saulles, comprised of gold matt proof Five Pounds, Two Pounds, Sovereign and Half-Sovereign, silver matte proof Crown, Halfcrown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence and Maundy Set (S.PS9; W&R 404, 406, 408, 411). Complete with original fitted case of issue. All graded by NGC as below. A problem free set with matching tone in both the Gold and Silver, some pieces in higher grades and thus desirable.

Matte Proof Five Pounds Proof 62 Matte, NGC certification 8220345-006.
Matte Proof Two Pounds Proof 61 Matte, NGC certification 8220346-001.
Matte Proof Sovereign Proof 61 Matte, NGC certification 8220346-002.
Matte Proof Half-Sovereign Proof 61 Matte, NGC certification 8220346-003.
Matte Proof Crown Proof 63 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-015.
Matte Proof Halfcrown Proof 64 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-016.
Matte Proof Florin Proof 64 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-017.
Matte Proof Shilling Proof 62 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-018.
Matte Proof Sixpence Proof 62 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-019.
Matte Maundy Fourpence Proof 64 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-020.
Matte Maundy Threepence Proof 63 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-021.
Matte Maundy Twopence Proof 63 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-022.
Matte Maundy Penny Proof 63 Matte, NGC certification 8220349-023.
This year is the only time a matt finish set has been produced thus far for a Coronation.

These proof sets were produced to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VII on the 9th of August 1902. The "long gold" set had a a relatively small mintage of only 8,066 sets. We note an advertisement for these long sets for sale dating to April 1903 for £11 a set, with the Five Pounds for £5 and 10 shillings and the Two Pounds for £2 and 5 Shillings. Incidentally this year is the only time a matt finish set has been produced for a Coronation set of coins, ‘matt’ finish as an aesthetic was generally employed for medallions at that time. Engraver and designer George William De Saulles advocated for the matt finish, having earlier completed work on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Royal Mint medallions dated 1897 in the same format. Later in 1937 we also witness a matt proof 1937 Set for George VI, of which two were struck [see Bentley collection lot 1233].

These classic sets, now over one hundred and twenty years old are excellent keepsakes of the Edwardian numismatic and broader historic period, Edward VII may have had a relatively brief reign, however through his decade in power several significant events and or developments took place both domestically and on the international stage. The second Boer War, the Suffragette movement was still in full flow and the first flight took place in America via the hands of the Wright brothers in 1903, to name a few. The Edwardian era not only marked the end of Victoriana but also acted as an intermediary ushering in the new Century, these handsome and undeniably stately sets embody and epitomise the above.