Description
King George III decided to reform the gold coinage system post the financial turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars. The guinea, valued at one pound and a shilling, was replaced by a new coin called the “sovereign,” alongside a half sovereign.
The sovereign was first minted by King Henry VII, and the half sovereign was introduced by his son, King Henry VIII. However, both coins were discontinued after the reign of King Charles II.
From 1817 to 1820, King George III’s sovereign featured his portrait designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. The traditional Coat of Arms design was replaced with Pistrucci’s depiction of St George slaying the dragon, which became iconic for British Sovereigns.
The early design of the sovereign, minted only in 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820, included St George within a garter, making it distinct. This coin holds significance as the first of its kind and the only one to showcase Pistrucci’s initial St George design.
Specifications:
- Diameter: 22.05 mm
- Metal Type: 22 carat gold (91.67% pure)
- Weight: 8 grams
Obverse: GEORGIUS III DG BRITANNIAR REX FD. The portrait of King George III with short hair and a laurel wreath, facing right. Designed by Benedetto Pistrucci.
(Actual Image)
