George V, 1926 Sydney Sovereign, Specimen

1 unmarked and uncirculated gold specimen strike coin. 

A circular gold coin, 21.5 mm diameter with milled edge.

The obverse portrays George V facing left, below the portrait are the artist's initials BM; around the portrait are the words, GEORGIVS V D.G. RITT : OMN : REX F.D. IND : IMP:.  Translates as 'George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India'. The artist was the Australian, Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal.

The reverse depicts St George on horseback holding a short sword and wearing a helmet, cape and boots. The horse is rearing over a dragon whose side is pierced by a broken lance, the haft of the lance is on the ground behind the horse. The date, 1926 and artist's initials BP in exergue; the mint mark "S" for Sydney Mint in the ground line above the middle of the date. The artist was the Italian, Benedetto Pistrucci.

Accompanying the coin is a contemporary handwritten note by Robert Dixson confirming the coin's provenance.

‘The last fifty sovereigns were struck at Sydney Mint on the morning of 11th August 1926. Forty two were struck automatically the last individually. Taking the last as no. 1 they were distributed as No 1 & 2 to London, 3 & 4 Mr W. Dixson, 5 Dr Waterhouse, 6 Mr R.C. Dixson, 7 & 8 Mr Christie. I was present R.D.'

On reverse of note, 'The 6th last sovereign to be struck at Sydney Mint, 11th August 1926'.

George V, 1926 Sydney Sovereign, Specimen

Tags

Identifiers

File Identifier

Permalink

Reference Code

Copying conditions

Hierarchy

Copyright

Connecting people and collections

Indigenous engagement

Schools and teachers

Stories