Great Britain: George IV Halfcrown 1823,...

Description

George IV Halfcrown 1823, S3808, MS65 NGC, Laureate Head, 2nd reverse with the crowned shield surrounded by the Order of the Garter, a fairly rare two-year type, Gem Uncirculated with fantastic eye appeal created by bright, sun-gold iridescent toning atop intensely lustrous surfaces -- original, undipped luster -- a gleaming coin having a lovely sharp strike as well. George IV, eldest son of George III, was a dandy who fancied himself something of a Roman-style emperor, or even a far-Eastern potentate. He lived part of each year in his Royal Pavilion at Brighton on the south sea coast, where he indulged his every possible sensual urge. He must have encountered some fun-poking or criticism at his regally styled portrait as seen on this coin, for shortly after it was produced he asked the Royal Mint to adapt Francis Chantrey's portrait of himself, in marble, to the coinage -- resulting in the Bare Head portrait as it is known today. In literature, this period of time is known as the Romantic Era, the time of Byron, Shelley and Keats, the most talented poets of their age -- they were the rock stars of the 1820s and of the previous decade, self-indulgent, fancy dressers, lovers of derring-do (Byron swam the Hellespont, even with a club foot, and was the rage of London society with his long epic poem of Don Juan, whose episodic escapades were followed passionately by the social elites of the day). What an age it was! This beautifully styled, and marvelously preserved, coin captures the spirit of that age. If you want the finest in your collection to represent England of the 1820s, here it is, so bid with "Romantic" spirit!
From the Exeter College Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 32.30mm

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

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