Owner Comments:
S-3800, Marsh 5
Acquired from: Heritage
Means: Auction 3099, Lot 31938
Date: 7 May 2022
Critique: Lovely, well-struck example of the most common laureate head gold sov of King George IV. A huge number were originally minted, over 9 million, and thus these coins are quite easy to come by, even in mint condition. Of all the dates during KG IV's reign from 1821 to 1830, this has the most examples certified by NGC and is thus a very popular choice for a type coin.
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.
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 had to pay about 20% over catalog value, but I'm pleased to add such a nice-looking specimen to my collection of pre-Victorian sovereigns.