Five Pound Piece: Edward VII (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.221)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1902
Struck for inclusion in the proof commemorative sets of the new coinage of the reign, this piece was unusual in having a frosted or matte surface, produced by the application of acid. Non-proof five-pound pieces were also struck, but not for circulation. George Edward de Saulles was appointed chief engraver at the Royal Mint in 1892. At his death, the position was abolished for the sake of 'greater freedom in obtaining designs." There is still, however, a body of engravers at the mint to carry out the work necessary in adapting coin designs and making the dies. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.221: Five Pound Piece: Edward VII (obverse); St. George and the Dragon (reverse), 1902. Design by after Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1784–1855), George Edward de Saulles (British). Gold; diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.). Inscribed: EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP: (Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India); 1902. Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
George Edward de Saulles designed coins under Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP: (Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India); 1902
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1902
- Culture period
- England, Edward VII, 1901-1910
- Maker recorded
- Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1784–1855), George Edward de Saulles (British)
- Museum attribution
- Benedetto Pistrucci (Italian, 1784–1855); George Edward de Saulles (British)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.221
- Published references
- Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb. English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times , On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection. [Catalog. 1968.] p. 78
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.