The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 14, 2025

Five Pound Piece: Edward VII (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse)

1902
designer

after Benedetto Pistrucci

(Italian, 1784–1855)
designed by

George Edward de Saulles

(British)
England, Edward VII, 1901-1910
gold
Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
The Norweb Collection 1969.221
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

George Edward de Saulles designed coins under Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

Description

Struck for inclusion in the proof commemorative sets of the new coinage of the reign, this piece was unusual in having a frosted or matte surface, produced by the application of acid. Non-proof five-pound pieces were also struck, but not for circulation. George Edward de Saulles was appointed chief engraver at the Royal Mint in 1892. At his death, the position was abolished for the sake of 'greater freedom in obtaining designs." There is still, however, a body of engravers at the mint to carry out the work necessary in adapting coin designs and making the dies.
  • -1969
    Mrs. Emery May Holden Norweb (1895-1984), Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art
  • 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. 78
  • 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=Five Pound Piece: Edward VII (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse)|url=false|author=Benedetto Pistrucci, George Edward de Saulles|year=1902|access-date=14 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1969.221