Edward Rigg, 1903, a bronze electrotype plaque by G.W. de Saulles, bust left, 110 x 90mm (BM Acq. 1978-82, pl. 72, 10; BDM –). Slight spotting in front of face, otherwise extremely fine and very rare £120-150

Sir Edward Rigg, CB, CVO, ISO (1850-1933), b. Chester; educ. Chester College and Queen’s College, Oxford; assistant assayer at the Royal Mint, June 1873 to 1889; chief clerk, 1889-98; superintendent of the Operative Dept, 1898-1918. In 1902, following the death of the Mint’s deputy master, Horace Seymour, Rigg temporarily took charge before the appointment to the post of William Ellison-Macartney. Under Rigg’s guidance as superintendent the already rapid pace of change in the Royal Mint increased, and he oversaw the completion of the transition from steam to electricity, alongside a significant increase in overall Mint output. His achievements were recognised by several honours including a knighthood in 1915. Upon retirement he lived in Ramsgate