George IV gold 2 Pounds 1823 MS67 PCGS, KM690, S-3798. The perfect representative of this first currency 2 Pounds, clearly struck and preserved with the utmost care, not a stray mark or the least detail out of place. Appearing strikingly close to a presentation issue, this phenomenal transitional piece represents the first work of French engraver Jean Baptiste Merlen, who was employed by the Royal Mint in 1820, and commissioned to reproduce the portrait style of Sir Francis Chantrey--the king having dismissed Benedetto Pistrucci for his unflattering 'portly' effigy. Standing undisputed atop the PGCS census, and with none ranking so fine at NGC, this specimen truly requires in-hand inspection to be fully appreciated. Utterly charming to say that least, and a fantastic rarity deserving a place of prominence in the finest numismatic cabinet. From the Caranett Collection

HID09801242017

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