Diameter: 7.2cm (2.2in)
Gilt brass. Of circular form. The top embossed a relief portrait bust of George III within the embossed inscription. ‘GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX.’ Decorated to the top and sides with bead border, Greek key and linear patterns. The reverse with embossed inscriptions with a wreath of oak and laurel ‘ GEORGE III / WAS BORN JUNE 4 1738 / ASCENDED THE BRITISH THRONE / OCT 26 1760 / THE / GRAND NATIONAL JUBILEE / CELEBRATED 25 OCT 1809 / LONG LIVE THE KING’.
Signed beneath the king’s bust ‘M&P FECIT’ for Nathaniel Marchant, R.A. (1739-1816) and Lewis Pingo (1743-1830). Marchant was noted as a sculptor of intaglios, medals, and poetical designs for cameos. His subjects included copies from the antique, adaptations of famous paintings and portraits of his contemporaries. He held several appointments, including Assistant Engraver to the Royal Mint, Gem Sculptor to the Prince of Wales, Engraver to the King and from 1800, Engraver to the Stamp Office. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1791 and a full Academician in 1809. Lewis Pingo was also an Assistant Engraver to the Royal Mint who succeeded his father in the post in 1776.