Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

A.L.S. by William Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, to J.C. Herries, Master of the Royal Mint, date-lined "His Majesty's Mint 3rd Sept 1828.” Reports further consultations with the royal portrait painter Sir Thomas Lawrence with regard to the Britannia, Scotia and Hibernia design, and with Mr. Pulman of the College of Heralds concerning another proposed design for the reverse of the new Crown in the form of Arms and the Mantle and Collar of the Garter: "Feeling as I do the great importance of issuing a coin that will do credit to you and myself as an artist I am sparing no pains to make it as perfect as possible.” He also records that he has "been exceedingly busy with the 1/2 farthing.” 19 x 24cm (double). Slightly discoloured, several folds, two with small tears (£300-400)

The second design, although not adopted, was clearly favoured since patterns were produced in 1829 (see L & S 37-41) and a revised version adopted for the crowns of William IV.

Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830); James Pulman (1783-1859), herald