George IV went outside of the normal Royal Mint process and insisted that a new, more flattering portrait was commissioned and therefore his Sovereigns have two different portraits – the Laureate and Bare Head, causing much conflict between the designer of his Laureate portrait, the fiery Benedetto Pistrucci, and William Wyon.
George IV (1820-30), gold Sovereign, 1825, second bare head left, date below neck, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, .GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA., rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:, edge milled (Bentley 18; Hill 10; Bull EGC 966; S.3801).
Calendar Year Mintage 4,200,343.
The Latin legends translate to on obverse "George the fourth by the Grace of God" continuing on the reverse as "King of the Britains, Defender of the Faith."
Specification
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Denomination | Sovereign |
Alloy | 22 Carat Gold |
Weight | 7.98 g |
Diameter | 22.05mm |
Reverse Designer | Jean Baptiste Merlen |
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Obverse Designer | William Wyon |
Quality | Circulating |
Year | 1825 |
Pure Metal Type | Gold |