The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 26, 2024

Two Pound Piece: George III (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse)

Two Pound Piece: George III (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse)

1820
designed by
(Italian, 1784–1855)
Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Benedetto Pistrucci was an Italian gem and coin engraver, medallist, and carver of cameos.

Description

The five- and two-pound pieces struck for George III were only struck as patterns in this, the last year of the his reign. No pieces of either denomination were put into circulation. This very rare piece shows Pistrucci's Saint George as modified by Wyon. In the original the lance is broken; here the lance a been converted by Wyon into a sword, and it has appeared thus in future coinage. Later, in currency issues, the streamer disappears for a time for the helmet.
  • -1969
    Mrs. Emery May Holden Norweb (1895-1984), Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1969-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb. English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times, On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection. [Catalog. 1968. p. 70
  • Year in Review: 1969. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 27-February 22, 1970).
    English Gold Coins: Ancient to Modern Times. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1963).
  • {{cite web|title=Two Pound Piece: George III (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse)|url=false|author=Benedetto Pistrucci|year=1820|access-date=26 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1969.213