1902 Proof Sovereign - PCGS PR62

Great Britain, 1902 Proof Sovereign -

A nice-looking example of this popular issue. 1902 gold proofs tend to grade rather low, as the dies were harshly polished before striking. The resulting coins all have evidence of die polishing striations through the fields. Indeed, the coins themselves may have been buffed up after striking. As a result, all 1902 gold proof sovereigns graded by PCGS have scored in the low sixties. In fact, the finest 1902 sovereign is only a PR64, while the average grade of the issue overall is 61.82 (February 2013). The above coin, graded PR62, is therefore marginally above average, and has more eye appeal than is usually seen in 1902 gold proofs.