The Great Engravers Collection from The Royal Mint celebrates some of the most iconic coin designs in numismatic history. The collection continues with a homage to the abrasive genius of Benedetto Pistrucci, one of the most mercurial artists to have ever worked on British coinage.

Arriving in England soon after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Pistrucci was quickly commissioned by Master of the Mint, William Wellesley Pole, to provide portrait models of George III for new gold and silver coinage. A skilled gem engraver, Pistrucci soon mastered the art of cutting coinage portrait models directly into steel and produced a series of stunning designs including the St George and the dragon motif for the Sovereigns of 1817.

When this was subsequently adapted for the 1818 crown, Pistrucci’s unyielding pursuit of numismatic perfection pushed The Royal Mint to breaking point to produce one of the world’s most beautiful coins.

Painstakingly remastered using traditional techniques, modern technology breathes new life into Pistrucci’s spectacular St George and the dragon design.