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1817 Halfcrown Large Head George III Silver Coin

1817 Halfcrown Large Head George III Silver Coin Reverse

* These images show the type of coin you will receive, not the exact item

Buy a 1817 Halfcrown (Bull Head)

1817 'Bull Head' Halfcrown of King George III. These halfcrowns were struck as part of a major overhaul of British coinage, known as the Great Recoinage of 1816. In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, the British government sought to stabilise the currency by restarting production of silver coins. The first Halfcrowns struck by the Royal Mint as part of this 'new coinage' feature a striking laureate portrait of George III by Benedetto Pistrucci, known as the 'Bull Head'. The King understandably disliked this effigy, which was replaced partway through 1817 with a smaller bust, meaning Halfcrowns from this year can be found with both portraits. This 1817 coin displays the first head and the first type reverse, showing the Royal Arms encircled by a garter and a collar. A key addition to any Georgian Halfcrown collection.
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Garter Shield Reverse Design

Thomas Wyon the Younger designed the reverse used on 1817 Halfcrowns, which shows a shield of Royal Arms surrounded by a garter and a collar with a Crown above and 'BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:' around.

Bull Head Obverse Portrait

The obverse displays the controversial 'Bull Head' laureate portrait of King George III, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci, that was quickly removed from this monarch's coinage. The date (1817) is shown below with 'GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA' around.

New Coinage Halfcrowns

The specification for Halfcrowns was updated as part of the Great Recoinage of 1816. These coins were to be minted in 14.14 grams of .925 sterling silver and measure 32 millimetres from milled edge to milled edge.

1817 Halfcrown Mintage Figures

Published mintage figures for 1817 Halfcrowns total 8,092,656, though this includes both 1816 Halfcrowns (issued in 1817) and small head 1817 Halfcrowns featuring the updated portrait of King George III.

Historic Currency Coins

These 1816 Halfcrowns are historic currency coins that have seen circulation. This means that they will show signs of use, including wear to the high points, marks, scratches and minor edge dings, in line with their grade.