George I 1714 Prince Elector Guinea

George I (1714-27), gold Guinea, 1714 "Prince Elector" type, first laureate head right, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS. D.G. MAG.BR.FR. ET. HIB. REX. F.D. rev. first reverse with Prince Elector title, crowned cruciform shields, incorporating the Arms of Hanover, sceptres in angles, garter star at centre, date either side of tope crown, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, BRVN. ET LVN. DVX S.R.I.A.TH ET. PR. EL. edge obliquely grained, weight 8.35g (MCE 245; S.3628). Well struck with the garter star evident, perhaps once lightly wiped, otherwise hairlined with light surface marks, a bold very fine on obverse due to the high relief of the hair at centre, reverse good very fine, rare.

This one year only type represents an unusual juncture in the date of the British coinage where the last issue of the previous monarch Queen Anne is of the matching date 1714, and is the only denomination of George I to be dated 1714, he having ascended the throne on the 1^st August 1714 with the Coronation on the 20^th October. These gold Guineas are the only coins to carry the "Prince Elector" title. The Latin legends translates as on the obverse "George, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith" and on the reverse "Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg, High Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire."