Set Description
KING GEORGE IV, PROOF and CURRENCY GOLD HALF SOVEREIGNS 1821-1828.
The Royal Mint struck its first gold sovereign in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII. This coin became known as a "sovereign" because the obverse design depicted the King enthroned in regal splendour. It was the first gold coin produced with a value of one pound or twenty shillings, it was the largest coin yet issued in England and also the most beautiful. The half-sovereign was introduced a few years after, during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509-1547), in the year 1544, nearly 300 years before the modern coinage period. The modern sovereign, smaller and featuring on the reverse the classic St. George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci and the half-sovereign featuring the Royal Arms were introduced in 1817, during the reign of King George III (1760-1820), taking the form in which we know them today.
Gold half-sovereigns continued to be issued by the Royal Mint in London for the reigns of King George IV (1821-1830), King William IV (1831-1837), Queen Victoria (1838-1901), King Edward VII (1902-1910), and King George V (1911-1915).
After 1915 currency half -sovereigns were not issued by the Royal Mint until 1982 when the first bullion half-sovereign issued only for that year.
The year 2000 was of particular interest to half-sovereign enthusiasts, because for the first time since1982 a bullion type half-sovereign was struck and continued to be struck yearly ever since.
The Reign of King George IV (1820-1830) House of Hanover.
Born: 12 August 1762.
Accession: 29 January 1820.
Married: Caroline of Brunswick 8 April 1795 later separated and banned from attending the Coronation.
Coronation: Thursday, 19 July 1821.
Child: one daughter Charlotte who predeceased her Father 6 November 1817.
Died: 26 June 1830, aged 67.
King George IV (1763-1830) succeeded to the throne upon the death of his father George III on 29 January 1820. Three types of half-sovereigns were issued during his reign.
The first half-sovereign (Type 1) was issued by the Royal Mint only for the year 1821 and it was a splendid example of both engraving and design by Pistrucci. It carried a magnificent laureate head bust of the King, and its reverse featured the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom garnished and surmounted by a large crown. This coin was quickly withdrawn and possibly melted down. The reason for this was because of its likeness to the current sixpence which was being gilded and passed as a half-sovereign. That explains the high rarity of the coin (R5 M.Marsh).
The half-sovereign (Type 2) was next issued in1823 with the same obverse as in 1821, but with the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom surmounted by a crown, this time shown within a plain square shield on the reverse. This second issue was further struck for the years 1824 and 1825.
The (Type 3) half-sovereign featured the bust of the King bare headed on the obverse. The reverse carried a beautifully garnished shield containing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom surmounted by the royal crown and the Hanoverian arms within an escutcheon are again placed in the centre of the shield. This lovely reverse was designed and engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen. Type 3 half-sovereigns were first issued bearing the date 1826 and were also struck for 1827 and 1828.
1821: Mintage 231,288 . Rarity R5
1823: Mintage 224,280 . Rarity R2
1824: Mintage 591,538 . Rarity S
1825: Mintage 761,150 . Rarity N
1826: Mintage 344,830 . Rarity R
1827: Mintage 492,014 . Rarity S
1828: Mintage 1,224,754. Rarity N
In general half-sovereigns have become a great deal more difficult to find these days, and without doubt those of George IV are very hard for the collector to acquire.
REFERENCES:
COINS OF ENGLAND & THE UNITED KINGDOM, 45th Edition 2010, by SPINK.
THE GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN, 2nd Edition 2004, by MICHAEL A. MARSH.
This complete set includes the Type 1 example 1821 in MS64 ; Type 2 examples 1823 in MS65, 1824 and 1825 in MS64; Type 3 examples 1826 in MS63 ( Ex Terner Collection ), 1827 in MS62 and 1828 in MS64.
Set Goals
HOBBY
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1821 G.britain
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NGC PF 64
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GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Laureate Head (Type I) GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1821
(S 3802).
The first half-sovereign for the reign of George IV was issued in 1821. It carried a magnificent laurate head bust of the King on the obverse, and its reverse featured an equally impressive design that displayed the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom beautifully garnished and surmounted by a crown.This is a splendid example of both engraving and design by Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: Unrecorded.
RATING : R4.
1821 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 64
Beautiful bright proof, with rich orange-gold color, sharp strike, strong cameo appearence and mirrored fields.
NGC has certified a single coin at this level with none finer.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1821 G.britain GEORGE IV
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NGC MS 64
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV Laureate Head (Type I), GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN 1821
(Marsh 403; S 3802).
The first half-sovereign for the reign of George IV was issued in 1821. It carried a magnificent laureate head bust of the King, and its reverse featured an equally impressive design that displayed the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom beautifully garnished and surmounted by a crown.This coin is a splendid example of both engraving and design by Pistrucci. It was quickly withdrawn because of its likeness to the current sixpence, and possibly melted down. That explains the high rarity of the coin (R5 M.Marsh).
OBVERSE: The King's bust facing left, laureate, tie with loop and two ends, hair short and bare neck. B.P. in small letters below truncation standing for Benedetto Pistrucci.
REVERSE: A heavily garnished shield surmounted by the royal crown. The shield surrounded by roses thistles and shamrocks.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 231.238.
RARITY: R5 (M.Marsh). The actual rarity must be R4, as already have been certified 13 coins by NGC and 8 by PCGS.
1821 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 64
NGC 2758587-001
A superb example of this extremely rare coin.
Beautiful and bright with sharp detailed strike, clear surfaces and blazing luster.
ex J. Welsh Coins, Burton-On-Trent, Staffs, England, purchased 11 March 2010. Self submitted.
NGC: Has certified three coins at this level with none finer.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1823 G.britain
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NGC MS 65
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV Laureated head (Type II) GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN 1823 (Marsh 404; S 3803).
OBVERSE: The King's bust facing left, laurate, tie with loop and two ends, hair short and bare neck. B.P. in small letters below truncation standing for Benedetto Pistrucci.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom. The Hanoverian arms within an escutcheon surmounted by the royal crown in the centre of the shield. The shield surrounded by roses thistles and shamrocks.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 224,280
RARITY: R2 (M.Marsh).
1823 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 65
NGC 1910001-005
A stunning example of this rare date with the detail throughout the King's portrait as bold as can be, and the reverse shield retaining an as-struck appearance. The unending luster cartwheels the surfaces in a GEM fashion.
ex Baldwin Auction # 87, lot No. 1343, 7 May 2014.
NGC: Pop 3 with none grading higher.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1824 G.britain
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NGC MS 64
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV Laureate head (Type II), GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN 1824
(Marsh 405; S 3803).
OBVERSE: The King's bust facing left, laureate, tie with loop and two ends, hair short and bare neck. B.P. in small letters below truncation standing for Benedetto Pistrucci.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom. The Hanoverian arms within an escutcheon surmounted by the royal crown in the centre of the shield. The shield surrounded by roses thistles and shamrocks.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 591,538
RARITY: S (M.Marsh).
1824 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 64
NGC 1523697-018
A strong example of this type.
Very solid and attractive, with wonderful lustrus, mark free, surfaces.
ex A. M. Holds Numismatist, Norhampton, England, purchased 11 January 2011.
NGC: Pop 6 with one grading higher.
PHOTO
KING GEORGE IV
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1825 G.britain LAUREATE BUST
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NGC MS 64
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV Laureate head (Type II), 1825 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN
(Marsh 406; S 3803).
OBVERSE: The King's bust facing left, laureate, tie with loop and two ends, hair short and bare neck. B.P. in small letters below truncation standing for Benedetto Pistrucci.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom. The Hanoverian arms within an escutcheon surmounted by the royal crown in the centre of the shield. The shield surrounded by roses thistles and shamrocks.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 591,538
RARITY: S (M.Marsh).
1825 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 64
NGC 3504311-004
An example of rare quality, sharp strike and superb luster.
Ex Northeast Numismatics, Concord MA, USA. Purchased 17 July 2012.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1826 G.britain
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NGC PF 64 CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Bare head (Type III) GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1826 (S3804).
OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing left.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: Unrecorded.
RATING: R
1826 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 64 CAMEO
Beautiful bright cameo with excellent detailed strike and mirrored surfaces.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1826 G.britain Ex TERNER COLLECTION
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NGC MS 63
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Bare head (Type III), 1826 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN (Marsh 407; S-3804A).
S-3804A : With extra tuft of hair to left ear and much heavier border than S-3804.
OBVERSE: Bare head of the King facing left.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 344,830
RARITY: R (M.Marsh).
1826 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 63
NGC 2783529-001
A choice uncirculated example of this Type 3 half-sovereign, with bold strike and proof-like surfaces.
Provenance given on the grading insert as having been from the Jacob Y. Terner Collection.
Dr Jacob Y. Terner (1934-2017) born in NY City. A collector with an instinct for value and trained his discerning eye at various times on fine art, coins, stamps rare books, hunting shotguns e.t.c. He owned one of the most comprehensive and valuable collections of sovereigns and half-sovereigns. Auctioned in March 2003.
ex Heritage Auction # 3014, Rosemont, April 2011, lot 24167. Crossed over from PCGS.
Tempted to sell and upgrade this coin a few times, but because of the beauty of its prooof-like appearance and Pedigree, I kept it within the collection.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1827 G.britain
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NGC MS 62
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Bare head (Type III), 1827 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN
(Marsh 408; S 3804).
OBVERSE: Bare head of the King facing left.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 492,014
RARITY: S (M.Marsh).
1827 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 62
NGC 2780125-001
A scarse specimen of this type.
Very solid and attractive for the grade, with good strike and considerable remaining luster.
ex GK Coins Ltd, London, Mayfair. Purchased 1 October 2012.
Self submitted.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1828 G.britain Ex Thos. H. Law COLLECTION
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NGC MS 64
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Bare head (Type III), 1828 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN
(Marsh 409; S 3804)
OBVERSE: The King's head facing left bare. Date below truncation.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom. The Hanoverian arms within an escutcheon sur mounted by the royal crown in the centre of the shield.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled,
MINTAGE: 1.224.754,
RARITY: N (M.Marsh).
1828 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN MS 64
NGC 4238677-006
A well struck, gleaming example, with full bright luster. Three-year type and conditionally rare.
NGC Pop 1 with only two pieces certified finer by NGC and PCGS combined.
ex Heritage Auction # 3054, Lot number 30841, Chicago, 8 April 2017.
ex T. H. Law Collection.
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