Fantasy Coin - Edward VIII `Wreath` Crown, Trial

Historical Context: Edward VIII's brief 1936 reign concluded with his abdication, preventing the issue of circulating coinage. Genuine Edward VIII coinage is thus limited to extremely rare pattern and trial pieces. This 2017 fantasy Crown, anachronistic by design, offers a speculative glimpse into what a standard circulating Crown might have looked like. It taps into the enduring fascination with this monarch and the "lost" coinage of his era, blending historical "what ifs" with modern numismatic artistry.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributed, this fantasy piece likely draws inspiration from traditional British numismatic artistry. The obverse would typically feature a left-facing effigy of Edward VIII, adhering to the alternating facing tradition. The "Wreath" designation for the reverse suggests a classic design, perhaps a crowned shield of arms encircled by a floral wreath, reminiscent of earlier Crown issues. This stylistic choice grounds the fantasy in established numismatic aesthetics, creating a plausible, imagined historical coin.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this 2017 trial piece exhibits a substantial weight of 25.44 grams and a diameter of 38.71 millimeters. For grading, high-points to examine include the intricate details of the monarch's hair and ear on the obverse, and the crown, heraldic elements, and individual leaf tips within the reverse wreath. Given modern production, a sharp, full strike is expected, with well-defined fields and a crisp rim, indicative of contemporary minting precision.