Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 116 2-3 Jun 2020
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Great Britain. Proof Crown, 1826. S.3806; ESC-257; KM-699. George IV. Obverse, bare of king left by Francis Chantrey (1781-1842). GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA, date below. Reverse; Ornate crowned Hanoverian shield and mantle BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF: Edge inscribed in raised letters: DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI SEPTIMO. Mint state with a pleasing gray-blue tone over mirror fields and frosted design. PCGS graded Proof 63. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,500
This was the largest of the silver coins issued in the coin set of 1826. The king decided that the new portrait by Francis Chantrey was more lifelike than the laureate bust engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci which had graced the coinage since 1821. But it was certainly George's vanity which dictated his admiration for a more flattering portrait, and Pistrucci's work - which showed the king as a portly and heavy-jowled monarch - was probably more accurate! George IV was the eldest son of George III. He was tall and handsome in his youth, but he became fat in middle age. He had little or no care for his duties as Prince of Wales or later as king, enjoying only the privileges and the money that came with them. His lifestyle resulted in many debts, which he managed to get the king and Parliament to pay. He had many mistresses, many illegitimate children, and he was generally a profligate and ill-mannered man, although at times he could be charming. But he knew how to live and celebrate in style, and therefore London society adored him. George IV has left us a superb series of coins, and the 'Regency' period (strictly 1811-1820, but it lasted until his death in 1830) has become a by-word for stylish interior designs, architecture, dazzling society gatherings and exciting court intrigue.
This was the largest of the silver coins issued in the coin set of 1826. The king decided that the new portrait by Francis Chantrey was more lifelike than the laureate bust engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci which had graced the coinage since 1821. But it was certainly George's vanity which dictated his admiration for a more flattering portrait, and Pistrucci's work - which showed the king as a portly and heavy-jowled monarch - was probably more accurate! George IV was the eldest son of George III. He was tall and handsome in his youth, but he became fat in middle age. He had little or no care for his duties as Prince of Wales or later as king, enjoying only the privileges and the money that came with them. His lifestyle resulted in many debts, which he managed to get the king and Parliament to pay. He had many mistresses, many illegitimate children, and he was generally a profligate and ill-mannered man, although at times he could be charming. But he knew how to live and celebrate in style, and therefore London society adored him. George IV has left us a superb series of coins, and the 'Regency' period (strictly 1811-1820, but it lasted until his death in 1830) has become a by-word for stylish interior designs, architecture, dazzling society gatherings and exciting court intrigue.