George IV gold Proof 5 Pounds 1826 PR64 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM702, S-3797, L&S-27, W&R-213 (R3). Lettered edge. By William Wyon after Chantrey, reverse by Jean-Baptiste Merlen. Mintage: 150. A type which can quite simply be regarded as one of the crowning achievements of modern British engraving, easily standing alongside the equally famous Una the Lion 5 Pounds produced by William Wyon's predecessor and archrival Benedetto Pistrucci as one of the greatest British coins ever struck. Quite clearly helping to propel Wyon's 23-year-long career as Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, George's portraiture exemplified here seems to add a new degree of prominence to Merlen's already flattering effigy drawn from the style of Sir Francis Chantrey, idealizing his features and seeming to abstract any sense of the king's real-life portly stature. Produced as part of the king's mid-reign 1826 Proof set, this large-size issue is noticeably more fleeting than its R3 rating from Wilson and Rasmussen would seem to suggest, particularly at this grade level, where only 4 presently rank finer in the certified population. A type renowned for its trademark lavish device frosting, and pure eye candy at its finest.

HID09801242017

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