2020 George III Gold Proof Sovereign 5-Coin Set - St. Helena

King George III (1738-1820)

George William Frederick of the House of Hanover was born at Norfolk House in St. James's Square on 4th June 1738 to Frederick, the Prince of Wales and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. He was born two months prematurely and was considered unlikely to survive. He grew to be a healthy but reserved and shy child and was educated by private tutors.

His father, being the next in line to the throne after George II died suddenly from a lung injury aged 44, leaving his son George as the heir apparent. On 25th October 1760, George II also died suddenly and the 22-year-old George became the new King.

Sovereign Weights in Set

The set holds features 5 variations of sovereign weights representing coins of the age. These include representations of a five shilling crown, a 1790 Spanish silver dollar, a 1787-99 spade guinea, an 1817 silver half crown and a recreation of the rare 1798 Dorrien Magens shilling.

What Is a Proof Coin?

These proof coins are struck to a much higher standard than bullion coins. The blanks are struck up to 6 times each in order to give the coins the very best finish - meaning even the quarter Sovereign has an incredible amount of detail for such a small coin.

Proof coins are typically produced in limited quantities and may feature unique packaging, certificates of authenticity, or other distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from standard coins.

Due to their limited production and exceptional finish, proof coins generally command higher prices than regular coins of the same denomination and are highly prized by both collectors and investors.

Marriage & Issue

George married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz nearly a year after his reign began. Together they had 15 children, including George Augustus Frederick who would succeed his father as King George IV upon his death in 1820.

Legacy

George III's reign lasted for 59 years and 96 days. His reign lasted longer than any of his predecessors and successors until the reign of Queen Victoria and later, Queen Elizabeth II.

Several British historians were hostile to George's reign although in later years, historian Lewis Namier would start a re-evaluation of the King and his reign.

His wars with the American colonists in the American War of Independence and the later Napoleonic Wars would perhaps be his most enduring legacies.

Obverse

The obverse features Jody Clark's portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II and is inscribed:

ELIZABETH II • DEI • REGINA • F • D • ST. HELENA

Reverse

The reverse of these coins bear an image of their original counterparts, including:

• A modern interpretation of Benedetto Pistrucci's St. George and the Dragon;
• A portrait of King Charles IV from the 1790 Spanish silver dollar;
• The British Royal Arms design from the 1787-1799 spade guinea;
• A recreation of the 1817 silver half crown with  a quartered crown with a smaller crown inescutcheon;
• A recreation of the Dorrien Magens shilling from 1798.

Specification