Lot 2519

Description

1826 Proof Penny, George IV, 1820-30. S-3823, Peck 1423 (S). 18.77g. plain arms on the saltire. Reverse - Abbreviated legend BRITTANAR:ium REX FID:ei D.E.F.:ensor. Dexter facing Britannia holding an ornamented trident in her left hand. She is seated on a plinth, which forms an exergue. Her right-hand steadies a shield emblazoned with the Union flag and is partially covered by her tunic. The flag of Scotland - St Andrews cross or Saltire i.e. the X shaped cross on the shield, has three different cross versions ( see lots XX below). The cross can be bare or with either a thin or thick raised line. Her clothing is in the classic style from sandaled feet, flowing tunic and armoured decoration across the breast, which terminates in a lion's head. She is wearing a plumed Corinthian helmet. Below the exergue are the three floral symbols as in the shilling. However, the posy is treated more economically with a thinner rendition. A denticular border and a wide, flat, raised rim surround the coin. The relief design rarely exhibits any frosting; however, the fields are mirror finished. Minor obverse rim bruise at 9 o'clock, slight spotting, nearly FDC and scarce.