George III 1806 gilt proof Penny PR65 ex Bliss, Grantley, Rogers and Gregory collections

George III (1760-1820), gilt copper Proof Penny, Soho Mint Birmingham, late period, laureate and draped bust right, raised K:. on truncation for engraver Conrad Heinrich Kuchler, date below, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, GEORGIUS III. D: G. REX. rev. struck en medaille, Britannia seated left on rock, holding olive branch and trident with shield, raised K to left on ground to left of shield, SOHO raised on rock to right, ship sailing right to left of Britannia, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, BRITANNIA, edge grained, weight 18.69g (Peck 1325 KP31; S.3780). A few tiny marks, toned, practically as struck, has been graded and slabbed by PCGS as PR65, rare and well provenanced.

These special presentation proofs were struck in gilt copper at Matthew Boulton's Soho Mint Manufactory in Birmingham using the steam presses invented by James Watt. Boulton and Watt appear together on the reverse of the current UK £50 banknote.

The Latin legend translates as "George III by the grace of God, King" and on the reverse "of all the Britons."

PCGS certification 202259.65 / 17233425.

Provenance:

Ex Thomas Bliss, Sotheby, 22^nd March 1916, lot 735.

Ex Lord Grantley, Glendining, 23^rd May 1943.

Ex Rev. Edgar Rogers, collection purchased by A H Baldwin 1960.

Ex Gregory Collection, Baldwin Auction 68, 28^th September 2010, lot 3593.