Artwork Page for Two Pound Piece: George IV (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

Details / Information for Two Pound Piece: George IV (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

Two Pound Piece: George IV (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

1831
engraved by

Jean Baptiste Merlen

(French, 1769–1850)
designed by

William Wyon

(British, 1795–1851)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
England, William IV, 1830-1837
Medium
gold
Measurements
Diameter: 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.)
Weight: 15.892 g (0.56 oz.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1969.216
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This is the largest gold coin issued during his brief reign.

Description

The two-pound piece in this reign was only struck as a pater in 1831. Again, as in the last reign, a limited number of proof sets were struck, and this coin was included in the sets. Since it never went into circulation it is properly called a pattern.
Two sides of a gold coin feature an inscription circling an image on both sides (see "Inscriptions" field). On the left, William IV is in profile from the neck up with short, curly hair. On the right, a crowned shield is draped in a tasseled mantle. The shield sections feature lions and a harp. The inscription "GULIELMUS IIII D:G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D:" circles the left, and "ANNO 1831" appears at the bottom right.

Two Pound Piece: George IV (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

1831

Jean Baptiste Merlen, William Wyon

(French, 1769–1850), (British, 1795–1851)
England, William IV, 1830-1837

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork