George IV 1820-1830 AD

Sovereigns were issued for George IV in each of the ten years from 1821 to 1830. From 1821 a large laureate portrait combines with St. George and the dragon on the reverse. In 1825, news design were introduced with a bare head, and a crowned shield on the reverse. In 1825, both types were issued. The first gold sovereigns of King George IV (1821-1825) featured a portrait of the king in classical style by the Italian designer Benedetto Pistrucci, and that same designer’s rendition of the St George slaying the dragon on the reverse.

However, George IV has disliked the way Pistrucci has depicted him and in 1825 this led the king to insist that Pistrucci create a new portrait based on a marble bust by Sir Francis Chantry. Pistrucci, a tempestuous designer, was affronted at being asked to copy the work of another artist and refused - the task was handed to English designer, William Wyon.

Wyon was in his ascendancy and later proved to be possibly the finest British coin designer ever known. He created the Young Portrait of Queen Victoria which adorned sovereigns for fifty years, as well as the Penny Black stamp.

His portrait of King George IV was a refreshingly modern interpretation, and omitted the laurel wreath - the first time since the Restoration that a British king had been so depicted.