Description:
English silver halfcrown, 1819
Diameter 31mm
The obverse features the laureate bust of George III facing right with the date below. The inscription reads 'GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA', Latin meaning 'George III By the Grace of God'. The reverse features a large shield, bearing a smaller shield, topped by a crown. All appear within a garter. The smaller shield bears the 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. Inscribed on the garter is the motto of the Order of the Garter, 'HONI SOI QUIT MAL Y PENSE', 'Shame On Him Who Thinks Evil Of It', although it is largely illegible on this example. The outermost inscription reads 'BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:', Latin, abbreviated meaning 'King of the Britains Defender of the Faith'.