Description:
English silver sixpence, 1817
Diameter 18mm
The obverse features the laureate bust of George III facing right with the date below. The inscription reads 'GEOR:III D:G:/ BRITT:REX F:D', Latin, abbreviated, meaning 'George III By the Grace of God King of the Britains Defender of the Faith'. The reverse shows a shield bearing a smaller shield and topped by a crown, all appear within a garter. The central smaller shield bears the coat of arms of the Royal House of Hanover. The larger shield is split into four parts two of which bear the three lions of England, one the single lion rampant of Scotland and one the harp of Ireland. The motto of the Order of the Garter is inscribed on the garter itself, 'HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE', 'Shame On Him Who Thinks Evil Of It'.