$43,125.00 USD
The 1826 Great Britain Gold Half Sovereign of King George IV, graded PCGS PR66 Cameo, is a truly elite and exceptionally rare British proof issue from the late Regency period. This specimen features the “Extra Tuft” obverse variety and has been certified as the Finest Known of its type. Its deeply reflective fields and frosted cameo devices elevate this coin to the highest levels of 19th-century numismatic artistry.
Obverse: Features the bare-headed left-facing bust of King George IV, engraved by William Wyon, with the prominent extra curl of hair (“Extra Tuft”) at the base of the neck — a known and collectible variety. The legend reads:
“GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA 1826” — George IV, by the Grace of God, 1826.
Reverse: Displays the ornate and crowned shield of arms of the United Kingdom, contained within a mantle and topped by the royal crown. The surrounding legend reads:
“BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:” — King of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.
Struck in .917 fine gold, weighing approximately 3.99 grams, the half sovereign was traditionally struck for circulation, but select proof specimens — like this one — were minted with polished dies for special presentation purposes. The 1826 proof set, issued during George IV’s reign, featured coins of extraordinary craftsmanship and limited mintage.
Graded PCGS PR66 Cameo, this coin displays mirror-like fields with bold frosting on both the portrait and shield, creating strong contrast. It remains flawlessly struck, sharply defined, and exhibits no post-strike flaws, placing it at the apex of known certified examples.
