George IV gold Proof 5 Pounds 1826 PR63+ Deep Cameo PCGS, KM702, S-3797, L&S-27, Marsh-F6, W&R-213 (R3). Lettered edge. By William Wyon after Chantrey, reverse by Jean-Baptiste Merlen. Mintage: 150. Always a joy to handle as the largest inclusion in George IV's mid-reign Proof set and one that always incites enthusiastic bidding when assigned such an advanced preservation. Sensitively rendered by the skilled hand of Britain's most famous engraver, William Wyon, and among his earlier works in a long and illustrious career at the Mint. Broadcasting a full frosting that elevates precisely articulated devices above pondlike golden expanses, the piece at hand remains fully deserving of its "Deep Cameo" superlative. Of those we've handled in the last decade, this ranks conditionally and aesthetically among the finest and will demand interest commensurate with the ever-expanding market for high-grade British rarities.

HID09801242017

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