2016-09-20 Tue

The St. James’s Auctions to be held on 30th September in London is going to feature an unused 1820 £5 pattern created by Benedetto Pistrucci - one of the rarest 19th-century English gold coins. The coin features the largest and sharpest motif of Saint George slaying the mythical dragon, which is why it has an estimated value of £275,000.

The obverse features a portrait of King George III and the coin was issued during the final years of his reign. Pistrucci’s last name is inscribed on both the sides.

Small initials of William Wellesley Pole, Pistrucci’s assistant also appears on the reverse. An 1820 gold coin of this size and value had been minted for commerce and almost 50 years since production of the most recent pattern for a 5-guinea coin.

Paper money was a preferred choice by the general public in those days which is why these high valued coins were not very popular. Only Proof versions of the £5 coin were issued until the 1887 Victoria Jubilee coins were minted.

Apart from the hairlines across the fields and a short scuff on the king’s cheek, the coin bears reflective fields, with motifs struck in cameo contrast, practically as struck.