Description
George III (1760-1820), Pattern Two-Pounds, 1820 LX., by Pistrucci, laureate head right, rev. St George and Dragon, DECUS ET TVTAMEN. ANNO REGNI LX. upwards on edge, (Douglas-Morris 144; Selig 1163; W&R 179 [R3]; S. 3784). Superb as struck, conservatively graded and encapsulated by NGC as PF63 Ultra Cameo. Extremely rare.
Companion piece to the pattern 5 pounds of this date, this denomination also exists with either plain or raised lettered edge, indicating the 60th and final year of this long reign. Original called a two-sovereigns, or double sovereign, only 60 pieces total were minted of both edge styles very shortly after the reign technically ended upon the king’s death. Pistrucci’s original design of St. George slaying the dragon was modified by William Wyon to remove the broken lance from the saint’s hand, replacing it with a sword. On this size coin, the designs seem most perfectly set, with the broad plain, reflective field around each motif. A glorious example of this coinage era.
