1820 pattern £5 proof coin could sell for $392,000

A rare 1820 pattern £5 proof coin is expected to make £200,000-250,000 ($313,812-392,265) at Dix Noonan Webb.

The piece was commissioned while George III lay on his deathbed.

1820 pattern proof
The 1820 pattern proof is one of 25 known specimens

The king died before the dies could be completed, meaning that it could not be released into circulation.

Instead around 25 were struck as commemorative pieces. Of these, six were given to various museums and institutions.

The other 19 were distributed among various collectors and the king's own family. It remains one of the rarest British coins in history and as such is highly sought after among collectors.

Christopher Webb, head of coins at Dix Noonan Webb, comments: "This coin is something very special.

"It is a wonderful example of the coin engraver's art. But it also marks the end of the reign of George III which had seen the loss of the American colonies, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon and the birth of the Industrial Revolution. Here beauty combines with history."

Click here to check out our fascinating selection of rare coins for sale.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about coins and banknotes auctions.

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock