Metal content

Hi

These are testing as .999 gold i.e. 24 carat and not 22 carat.

Are they ALL 24 carat or was it just a batch which were struck in .999?

Martin

Professional Numismatist

If you have proof (documentation, material testing etc.) for that statement you can modify the purity 
Modify or add data on this page

Thank you for your very quick reply.

Check out this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7MF2TX3KoU

Martin

I've updated the large and small versions, thank you.

I must say I was surprised but using an XRF analyser these ‘gun’ at .999 fine Au.

I thought all commemorative medals and medallions were struck in .916/

Thank you!

There probably should be a comment added (maybe even a link to the video or if something was published to the paper). Because if every other source states the 22 carat figure there is not a small chance that this will be reverted in the future.

Interesting.  Yes I agree.  

I've added the video link

Ok.  Let's see how the numismatic fraternity react! 

I also note that the engravers names are wrong on the medallion.  The Queen Victoria ‘veiled head’ was engraved by Sir Thomas Brock.  His initials are embedded in the truncation.  The ‘young head’ was designed by engraver William Wyon.  To us dealers, this is common knowledge!   

I've edited the whole Royal Mint series to reflect information that was present on some of them:

Obv:

Designer: Thomas Brock

Engraver: George William de Saulles

Rev: 

Designer: William Wyon

Engraver: George William de Saulles

Thanks!

You're correct on the veiled head designer and engraver.

However, wrong on the Young Head.  De Saulles wasn't born until 1862.  William Wyon was the designer and engraver of the Young Head.  Peter Alan Rayner's book is an excellent resource for this information.

A book has just come out covering the life of William Wyon.  An excellent book but pricey!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/357081448093?_skw=william+wyon+book&epid=13081596353&itmmeta=01KBWVV8ZKN63TK2Y93S6WR9EC&hash=item5323b67e9d:g:UEMAAeSwlfxpMsYb&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dXhpDXwIb0XQKX9UWViFaHSSKd%2F%2BUgih5NKs%2FBRccumgq5AsvBjSrdYcpO7TEf0IhcRdFOvUTET3HRzxoIMe9sdIuKiMdUbXW7W5Z8WnhPZ5k3dJuU0q3iGDBOXh3qdyhJg9FJnN11gZ8tq%2BTw0h8vcf5eBYLxA%2Bv7xOhDuvgh60NOI9FaVVGaeeAzOlWOvnTgyL5ahKN07pO7wtJwqijE8w6JwjBRGAGijWtGJTm1loNzCCK3y9BL%2FXPCrIxVooU%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7SQ7ZvfZg

Perhaps de Saulles re-engraved the Young Head for this 1897 medal, as William Wyon not alive?

That is quite possible of course but Rayner's book suggests that Wyon's design was used.