Isaac Newton – Master of the Mint

CNG 85, Lot: 1595. Estimate $300. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HANOVER. Isaac Newton. 1643-1727. AR Medal (52mm, 59.55 g, 12h). Death of Isaac Newton. By J. Crocker. Dated 1726 (O. S.). ISAACVS · NEWTONVS ·, draped bust left; I·C below / FELIX · COGNOSERE · CAVSAS, personification of Science seated left, head right, leaning against draped table to right, holding tablet displaying diagram of the planetary system; M·DCC·XXVI in exergue. MI 469/83; Eimer 504. Near EF, darkly toned.

From a California Collection of British Historical Medals.

In addition to his contributions to science, mathematics, and philosophy, Isaac Newton also held an important numismatic role as Master of the Mint, being appointed to that position in 1699. Holding this office for the remainder of his life, he effected many improvements in the coinage.