Lichfield District Council
Coin - George IV - Silver Crown, by The Royal Mint, London, 1821
Location: Lichfield District Council
Accession Number: 1983.20.2 rev.
A silver crown coin, dating from the reign of George IV (1820- 1830). The coin was produced by the Royal Mint in London in 1821.
The silver crown equated to 1/4 of a pound or 5 shillings.
However due to its large size, it was a relatively unpopular coin and circulated poorly. As such, during the 19th century the coin began to be minted solely for commemorative purposes. To this day, the Royal Mint still produces large, commemorative £5 coins, in the style of the old crown coin.
This coin was therefore produced in 1821 to mark George IV's accession to the throne in the previous year of 1820. Both sides of the coin were designed by the Italian engraver and medalist Benedetto Pistrucci.
The obverse of the coin features a bust of King George IV. The bust appears in profile, facing left and wearing a laurel wreath with ribbons. Encircling the bust is the legend: "GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:".
The reverse of the coin features a helmeted figure of St George upon a rearing horse. A dragon is being trampled beneath the hooves of the horse. In exergue beneath the image is the date "1821".
Encircling the rim of the coin is the Latin text: "DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI SECUNDO." (An ornament and a guard. Regnal year 2).
Coin - George IV - Silver Crown, by The Royal Mint, London, 1821
Location: Lichfield District Council
Accession Number: 1983.20.2 rev.
A silver crown coin, dating from the reign of George IV (1820- 1830). The coin was produced by the Royal Mint in London in 1821.
The silver crown equated to 1/4 of a pound or 5 shillings.
However due to its large size, it was a relatively unpopular coin and circulated poorly. As such, during the 19th century the coin began to be minted solely for commemorative purposes. To this day, the Royal Mint still produces large, commemorative £5 coins, in the style of the old crown coin.
This coin was therefore produced in 1821 to mark George IV's accession to the throne in the previous year of 1820. Both sides of the coin were designed by the Italian engraver and medalist Benedetto Pistrucci.
The obverse of the coin features a bust of King George IV. The bust appears in profile, facing left and wearing a laurel wreath with ribbons. Encircling the bust is the legend: "GEORGIUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:".
The reverse of the coin features a helmeted figure of St George upon a rearing horse. A dragon is being trampled beneath the hooves of the horse. In exergue beneath the image is the date "1821".
Encircling the rim of the coin is the Latin text: "DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI SECUNDO." (An ornament and a guard. Regnal year 2).