Lot 1147
Great Britain. Proof Five Pounds, 1826. S.3797; Fr-373; WR-213; KM-702. George IV, 1820-1830. Bare Head left. Reverse; Crowned shield and mantle. Lettered Edge. Issued in a set and a proof only issue with a reported mintage of only 150. Truly superb example having a most impressive eye appeal. Pop 4; 1 in 64Cam; 1 in 65+Cam; 1 in 67Cam. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. Estimated Value $100,000 - UP
This beautiful coin was the largest gold piece and highest denomination in the second set of proof coins issued in this brief reign (1820-30). The young king, a flamboyant man by anyone's standards, so disliked his first portrait (the "Laureate Head") that he ordered his mint to copy a famous marble statue of him, producing the image seen here. It was a mostly accurate depiction of the man he wished himself to be, even though at this age he had over-indulged in food, drink and drugs-all of which, in combination, caused his early death. For years before his accession, he had been the Prince Regent of England, beginning with the incapacitation of his elderly father, King George III, in 1787. Although married, he died without heir, long estranged from his wife. He did leave behind prizes such as this fabulous coin from his personally favored proof set.
Ex St. James's Auction 2, May 11, 2005, lot 392.
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| Realized $114,000 |
