| Coin | Silver Two Ounces 2024 St George and the Dragon |
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Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The two ounce (2 oz) silver coins are denominated as Five Pounds (£5).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
This coin is part of the fifth edition of the Great Engravers series of re-issues of past masterpieces, and features the classic St George and the Dragon reverse.
The design was developed by Benedetto Pistrucci for the first gold sovereign in 1817; this edition pays tribute to its slightly re-worked version as seen on the 1818 silver crown. More than two centuries later, the design is still in active use - it is the definitive design for the gold sovereign, albeit minus the garter (the change was made in 1821).
The Royal Mint says about it:
Displaying all the power and poise of neoclassicism, Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon design is a remarkable work, considered by many to be his best design. We pay tribute to the artist’s abrasive genius with a modern interpretation of a numismatic masterpiece. The recreation of the raised edge lettering is a remarkable technical achievement. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, which shows his bare (uncrowned) head facing left.
Below the neck truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials MJ (for Martin Jennings).
Around, the monarch's legend followed by the face value and date of issue: CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 5 POUNDS · 2024 ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
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| Reverse | |
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Within a toothed border, the reverse of the coin depicts an illustration of the legend of St George as the slayer of the dragon.
St George is on horseback, advancing to right, wearing a helmet and chlamys (cape, or cloak) fastened in front by a fibula, and holding a sword. His left hand clutches the rein of the horse's bridle, and he does not wear armour, other than on his lower legs and feet, with his toes bare. The saint's horse appears to be half attacking, half shrinking from the dragon, which lies wounded by George's spear and in the throes of death. The point of a spear is broken off in the dragon’s side; the shaft lays on the ground behind the horse.
In exergue, the surname of the designer: PISTRUCCI. (Benedetto Pistrucci).
Surrounding the image, a Garter circlet inscribed with the Order of the Garter's motto, HONI · SOIT · QUI · MAL · Y · PENSE · (from old French: Shame on he who thinks evil). |
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| Edge | Inscribed, raised lettering | Edge Inscription | DECUS ET TUTAMEN · ANNO REGNI II · |
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| Notes | Finish: Proof FDC.
Packaging: in black presentation box.
Limited Edition: 2,950. Maximum Coin Mintage: 3,060.
Royal Mint Product Code: UK24GD2S.
Release date: 15 February 2024.
Release price: £275.00.
The edge lettering means "an ornament and a guard; second year of the reign" (of King Charles III). In old times, it was customary to date coins with the date starting from the beginning of the monarch's reign. Edge inscriptions were both ornaments and guards - to protect the coin from being clipped so people would get some of the precious metal off.
Apart from the individually boxed coins, 100 were included in the "Highlights of Benedetto Pistrucci Three-Coin Silver Set". Priced at £910.00, the set includes the 2oz silver coin, an original George III crown dated between 1818 and 1820, and a George IV crown dated between 1821 and 1824 (the two latter coins in Fine or better grade). |
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| See also |
Coins from the Great Engravers series featuring Saint George and the Dragon:
- 1 kg Gold Proof, Saint George and the Dragon, 2024
- 2 oz Gold Proof, Saint George and the Dragon, 2024
- 10 oz Silver Proof, Saint George and the Dragon, 2024
- 5 oz Silver Proof, Saint George and the Dragon, 2024
- 2 oz Silver Proof, Saint George and the Dragon, 2024
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