George III pattern sovereign with St. George reverse
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Overall (confirmed): 21.6 × 21.9 mm
Classification
Coins
Culture
British, London
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2000
Accession Number
2000.224.4
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the *George III pattern sovereign with St. George reverse*, exquisite 1817 gold coin crafted by Italian-born engraver Benedetto Pistr for The Royal Mint in London. Measuring just 21.6 × 21.9 mm, this tiny masterpiece features a detailed profile of King George III the obverse, symbolizing British monarchy, and Pistrucci's iconic reverse St. George slaying the dragon atop his horse—a dynamic emblem of triumph over evil that became a hallmark of sovereign coinage. As a "pattern" coin, this was a trial strike, not intended for circulation but to test designs before the sovereign's official revival in 1817 amid post-Napoleonic economic reforms. Gold sovereigns like this restored confidence in Britain's currency after years of wartime strain under George III's long reign (1760–1820). Pistrucci's neoclassical engraving techniques, honed in Italy before his Royal Mint tenure, showcase remarkable precision on such a small scale, blending portraiture with mythological drama. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, this gift honors Ignazio Peluso and highlights coins as portable art forms bridging history, power, and craftsmanship. A testament to Britain's enduring numismatic legacy!
About the Artist
Benedetto Pistrucci|The Royal Mint · 1783–1855
Italian, 1783–1855, active England