Owner Comments:
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 It was quickly withdrawn because of its likeness to the current sixpence, and possibly melted down.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.