United Kingdom Gold Sovereigns -- Date Set
1821

Owner Comments:

S-3800, Marsh 5

Acquired from: Heritage
Means: Auction 3099, Lot 31938
Date: 7 May 2022

Critique: Sometimes I run into a coin that is rather expensive since it's in a major auction and has great eye appeal. Generally, someone else wants it more than I do, and I abandon the chase. But sometimes I end up on top, and this is one of those cases.

I really love the Laureate Head George IV sovs minted 1821 to 1825, because they have the most beautiful design for letters and numerals. Each one is extremely ornate and intricate, with sets of beads imbedded. Quite a lovely feature, but I imagine these fancy characters were very difficult and time-consuming to engrave. Since they can't be seen with the naked eye, when the new Bare Head effigy of George debuted in the latter part of 1825 these wonderful designs were abandoned in favor of the usual plain characters. Such a shame to lose this artistic flourish.