King George IV 1820-1830

During the reign of King George IV from 1820 to 1830, British coinage experienced significant changes both in design and composition. George IV's portrait, created by engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, graced the gold and silver coins. The silver coinage underwent a transformation with a new design, known as the "lion" design, featuring a crowned lion on the reverse. These coins were struck with the improved minting techniques, producing sharper details. In 1821, to mark the King's coronation, a new gold coin, the "Sovereign," was introduced with Pistrucci's iconic St. George and the Dragon design on the reverse. The Sovereign became the standard gold coin for British currency and remains a symbol of numismatic excellence to this day. Although George IV's reign was relatively short, the coins issued during this period represent a pivotal era in British coinage history with notable artistic achievements and advancements in minting technology.