George IV sovereign

Art Historical Context

This exquisite gold sovereign coin, struck in 1821 and designed by Italian-born engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, captures the regal profile of King George IV of Britain on its obverse. Revered as the Royal Mint's chief engraver, Pistr crafted this piece during George IV's short reign (1820–0), a time of post-Napoleonic recovery and Regency-era splendor. The coin's small diameter of just 23 mm belies its grandeur, serving as both legal tender and a symbol of British imperial power. On the reverse, Pistrucci's iconic depiction of St. George slaying the dragon—mounted on a rearing horse—has endured as one of numismatics' masterpieces, influencing sovereign designs for over two centuries. Crafted from pure gold, the coin exemplifies the era's advanced die-striking techniques, achieving remarkable detail in hair, drapery, and dynamic motion within a tiny field. As a work in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, it highlights coins as miniature sculptures, blending artistry with economic history. A gift in memory of Ignazio Peluso, this sovereign invites visitors to ponder the artistry behind everyday currency and the monarchy's enduring iconography.

About the Artist

Benedetto Pistrucci · 1783–1855

Italian, 1783–1855, active England