2024 1 oz Gothic Crown Silver Bar

The 2024 1 oz Gothic Crown Silver Bar is an LPM Exclusive release and is a nod to one of the most heralded coin designs in British numismatism history: the 1847 Gothic Crown. The bar is made in .999 fine silver and features the ornate Victorian-Gothic work that has been the subject of numismatists' admiration for more than 175 years and is one of the most beautiful pieces ever struck for the British market.

Designed exclusively for LPM (Lion Precious Metals, Hong Kong), this bar is not only filled with investment grade silver, but also has a design history that dates back to the years of its greatest glory by master engraver William Wyon, a bar that appeals to collectors who appreciate the artistry in design as much as its precious metal content.

The Original 1847 Gothic Crown — A Masterpiece of Victorian Engraving

The coin that inspired this bar is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever struck in the British milled series, according to numismatists. The Gothic Crown was engraved by William Wyon (1795-1851), who by 1847 was at the height of his successful career as Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint, and was also the engraver of his world-famous ‘Una and the Lion' five-pound gold medal. The design was commissioned by the British in 1846 to be used on a new British silver crown, and first released in 1847 with a mintage of only about 8,000 pieces; hence surviving examples have been highly collectible since their initial release.

It is only a slight numismatic speculation that it most likely had been designed for a decennial celebration of Queen Victoria's reign, for the 10th anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1837. It is a design, whether it was intentional or not, which was a novelty to the British coin since the time of Charles II.

The 'Gothic' name refers to the clear expression of the artistry of that Gothic Revival, which was a major trend in British art and architecture during the 1840s. During this time, however, the building of Gothic Revival Houses of Parliament, which had been destroyed by fire in 1834 and was started by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was in progress near Wyon's London office at the Tower Mint, and many historians suggest that this architectural style had a direct influence on Wyon's lettering and portraiture style.

Obverse Design — The Cruciform Royal Arms

• Crowned heraldic shield in a cruciform (cross-shaped) form, faithfully recreating the reverse of the original coin of 1847.
• In the vertical arms of the cross are three lionesses, guarding the cross in honour of the kingdom of England.
• The Harp of Ireland is shown in one horizontal position, and the Lion of Scotland in the other, thus forming the complete heraldic union of the United Kingdom.
• Inscriptions on purity and weight are in a Gothic style lettering in keeping with the original lettering of the coin, which is unique to medieval coinage.

Reverse Design — Queen Victoria's Gothic Portrait

• Side-profile bust of Queen Victoria wearing the ornate St. Edward's Crown (as in British coronations since Charles II)
• Victoria wears a medieval outfit, as in Wyon's original 1847 portrait, where England, Scotland, and Ireland are represented by roses, thistles, and shamrocks.
• The portrait is surrounded by the same intricate Gothic border design found on the obverse, creating a harmonious whole in the design of the bar.

About LPM (Lion Precious Metals)

This Gothic Crown Silver Bar is a Lion Precious Metals Exclusive, which is only available from the Hong Kong based precious metals manufacturer and dealer Lion Precious Metals. LPM has earned a reputation for producing well-designed, historically appropriate bullion products, that stand out from stamped bullion.

Why Collect the Gothic Crown Silver Bar?

• Inspired by a coin which many numismatists consider to be one of the most beautiful ever struck in British history.
• Part of the acclaimed oeuvre of the most accomplished engraver in the Royal Mint's history, William Wyon.
• Guarantee of quality — keeps the product quality distinct from other brands offered by other dealers.
• LPM Exclusive status — availability exclusively from LPM dealers, creating a sense of distinctiveness for the product.
• Elegant, design-forward rectangular bar, ideal for bullion collectors.
• Perfect for themed collections of Gothic Revival, medieval, or Victorian items.

Packaging & Delivery from BOLD

• Individual bars ship in a protective plastic sleeve.
• All BOLD domestic orders of $199 or more ship FREE.
• Every order ships fully insured — domestic and international.
• Expected to ship within 1 business day of cleared payment.
• Buy-back available — BOLD's Sell To Us program accepts LPM silver bars.