Great Britain: George IV Proof Shilling 1821,...

Description

George IV Proof Shilling 1821, S3810, PR65 PCGS, Laureate Head, crowned garnished shield reverse, a one-year type and thus scarce as a type, but this is far rarer than a Mint State coin! Gem Proof, thus extremely rare in grade despite the fairly modest value given in the Spink reference book, for most proofs, when seen at all, are impaired, show small handling marks from being in coin cabinets and trays for so many years, and typically exhibit "smoky gray" toning -- possibly from the sulphur in London air at the time these proofs were manufactured, when the Industrial Revolution had caused smoke stacks to appear everywhere. England in the country was an idyllic place in 1821, but not so the cities nor especially London, where the air was often so foul as to be indescribable. Somehow, this wonderful proof shilling escaped harm, and is actually something of a numismatic treasure, with its premium gray surfaces showing glints of iridescence. As well, the strike on this coin is something to behold, causing all design details to be super sharp -- just look at the tiny, fully impressed faces of the lions in the reverse shield, and the sharp spines of the thistle, for instance! Mintage is unknown but very small, probably on the order of a couple of hundred pieces, all for the coronation sets of this year. This is an important, if modestly valued, coin.
From the Exeter College Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 23.60mm
Weight: 5.6552g
ASW: 0.1682oz

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

View Certification Details from PCGS