Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 96 14-15 February 2017
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Great Britain. Farthing, 1826. S.3825; KM-697. George IV. Roman I in date. Second, bare headed portrait of king. Reverse, helmeted Britannia. Mint state with some original color. This appears to be the Colin Cooke Collection specimen (lot 251) sold some 11 years ago, when it was described as (BMC -) 'uncirculated with traces of lustre. Extremely rare in such high grade.'. NGC graded MS-63 Brown. Estimate Value $700 - 800
* Peck writes that although Pistrucci's portrait graced the farthing for 5 years, it was never popular, especially with the king, who objected to its coarse and bloated expression, and the wiry rendering of the hair. In 1824 he commanded Pistrucci to engrave fresh portraits for all the coins, using as his model a medallion prepared by Sir Francis Chantrey, from his own bust of the king. But as Pistrucci resolutely refused to copy the work of another artist, the task of engraving the new dies was entrusted to William Wyon.
* Peck writes that although Pistrucci's portrait graced the farthing for 5 years, it was never popular, especially with the king, who objected to its coarse and bloated expression, and the wiry rendering of the hair. In 1824 he commanded Pistrucci to engrave fresh portraits for all the coins, using as his model a medallion prepared by Sir Francis Chantrey, from his own bust of the king. But as Pistrucci resolutely refused to copy the work of another artist, the task of engraving the new dies was entrusted to William Wyon.