Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

A.L.S. by James W. Morrison, Deputy Master of the Royal Mint, to J.C. Herries, Master of the Royal Mint, date-lined "Mint Office 13 May 1830.” “I send you the enclosed memorandum shewing the length of time which elapsed after the death of the late King (Geo iii) before the dies for the several species of Coins of his present Majesty were brought into use…Pistrucci says the Halfcrowns were ready in three months, but they had been delayed, as Lord Maryborough wished the Coronation Medal to appear first. Pistrucci [has] made a small model but it is not satisfactory…I am somehow uneasy that...might stir up the anger of our Chief Engraver, by letting Pistrucci tread in his line – I wish the work of the latter could have been understood to be for a Coronation Medal, but he cannot now be turned from his purpose to shew you how speedily he can make a money Die.” Together with the Memorandum, unsigned and by another hand, detailing the dates the various denominations of the first series of George IV were ordered and produced, with a footnote stating that Sovereigns, Crowns, Shillings and Sixpences of George III continued to be struck prior to the production of those of George IV. 11.6 x 17.7cm (double) and 18.2 x 23cm (double). Both with several folds, first with slight tear, both clean (£200-300)

Whilst proposals for a new coinage had been made (see correspondence in previous lots), the suggestion that Pistrucci’s model be used for a Coronation medal, coupled with the account of the delay in the introduction of the coins of George IV, infers that the death of George IV was known to be imminent (he died on 26 June) and that designs for his succcessor were already being planned