The ‘elephant and castle’ five guineas was struck in 1699 during William III’s sole reign. This seven-year period (1694-1701) followed the death of Queen Mary II from smallpox, and it was only during the last three years – starting in 1699 – that any five guineas were struck.
Adding to the piece’s rarity is the elephant and castle below the king’s bust, a provenance mark which denotes gold supplied by the Royal African Company. It is estimated at £8000-12,000.
A local woman inherited the coin from her father, who was a longstanding client of Stride & Son, and consigned it to the sale of silver, jewellery, watches and coins which takes place on October 26.
