1714 Prince Elector Guinea
By Coinsanduk | Wednesday, 4 September 2024
Queen Anne, aged 49, died in August 1714 and all of her children had pre-deceased her. Although Anne was pregnant 17 or 18 times (including twins) between 1683 and 1700, only five children were born alive.
Parliament was forced to select a successor and their choice was the Electress Sophia of Hanover (grand-daughter of James I), who would have been queen of England had she not suddenly died on May 28, 1714, two months before Anne, at the age of 83.
The Electress's son, George, Elector of Hanover, finally succeeded pursuant to the Act of Settlement 1701. King George I of England was also Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, a man of immense power and wealth. The king's many titles appear in abbreviated Latin form on the 1714 guinea, occupying both sides.
The Latin legends translates as on the obverse George, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on the reverse Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg, High Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire.
George was crowned at Westminster Abbey on October 20, 1714. He was the first British monarch of the House of Hanover.
The 1714 guinea coin struck King George I on the obverse is a one-year type and is known for its distinctive. The reverse legend ends with PR EL for Prince Elector, whereas all successive guineas used ET EL for And Elector.
Specifications
- Composition: Gold
- Fineness: 0.9170
- Weight: 8.3500g
- AGW: 0.2462oz
- Ref.: S-3628, Schneider-544, MCE-245
Obverse
First laureate head right, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS. D.G. MAG.BR.FR. ET. HIB. REX. F.D.
Reverse
First reverse with Prince Elector title, crowned cruciform shields, incorporating the Arms of Hanover, sceptres in angles, garter star at centre, date either side of tope crown, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, BRVN. ET LVN. DVX S.R.I.A.TH ET. PR. EL.
Recent sales
- 2023 - £19,900 - PCGS MS-63
- 2022 - £10,700 - NGC AU-58
- 2021 - £11,800 - PCGS MS-61
- 2014 - £15,000 - NGC MS-64
- 2014 - £13,400 - NGC MS-64