1703 Queen Anne VIGO Halfcrown

Anne (1702-14), Halfcrown, 1703, VIGO. below draped bust left, rev. Pre-Union crowned cruciform shields, garter star at centre, date either side of top crown, edge inscribed in raised letters, .+. DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI. TERTIO, (S.3580; Bull 1358; ESC 569)

A very attractive Good Very Fine.

The Vigo coinage represents the greatest provenance-marked currency from the entire series of British coins. The capture of the "Vigo" treasure at the Battle of Vigo Bay in October 1702, was transported back to Southampton on  and then brought to London with great ceremony, this overseen by the Mint Master, who at the time was none other than Sir Isaac Newton. While the treasure primarily consisted of silver, there was only a small amount of gold, weighing a mere seven pounds and eight ounces. All of which was to be turned into coinage at the Royal Mint in the Tower of London, with VIGO placed beneath the Queen's bust denoting that these coins were minted from the captured bounty.