Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 10 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, British Monarchs Collection, George II
  • 10 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, British Monarchs Collection, George II
Description

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

The Royal Mint has launched (24th January 2022) a dynamic and ambitious new numismatic collector series that focuses on the 1,000-year-old kingdom and the sovereigns who have played a pivotal role in shaping the realm. Some of the most legendary monarchs have worn the English or British crown and the newly launched “British Monarchs Collection” uniquely celebrates these iconic kings and queens by providing a numismatic snapshot of their reign and chapters of history they represent. This five-year series features 21 monarchs in total, including iconic kings and queens from four royal houses: Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and Windsor, formerly known as Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

This release explores the life and reign of George II and is the latest release for the House of Hanover.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•10 POUNDS•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts the young laureate coinage portrait of George II that was originally designed by John Croker and first appeared on a five-guinea piece. The portrait is surrounded by the inscription GEORGIUS II DEI GRATIA (George II by the Grace of God).

George II (1683–1760) was the King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1727 until his death. He was also the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (Hanover) and a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire. Although born in northern Germany, he was the last British monarch born outside of Great Britain.

During his reign, George II had limited control over British domestic policy, as it was largely managed by the Parliament of Great Britain. Historically, George II was often criticized for his personal life, including his mistresses and short temper. However, modern scholars have reevaluated his legacy and found that he had a more significant impact on foreign policy and military appointments than previously believed.

GEORGIVS·II· DEI·GRATIA·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 312.59 g
Diameter 65 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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