The 1817 George III Laureate Head Sixpence is part of the early issues of the Great Recoinage of 1816, struck in sterling silver (.925). This type features the laureate (wreath) portrait of George III with the date positioned below the bust, distinguishing it from the later and more common Bull Head portrait introduced the same year.

The 1817 Laureate Head is a scarcer and highly desirable subtype, representing the transitional portrait used briefly before the adoption of Pistrucci’s Bull Head design.

The obverse shows George III wearing a laurel wreath, facing right. Legend: GEORGIUS III D:G:BRITANNIAR:REX F:D: Date 1817 appears below the bust (key diagnostic feature).

This portrait is by Thomas Wyon Jr.

The reverse displays the crowned shield of the Royal Arms, quartered with England, Scotland and Ireland. This shield‑and‑crown motif is characteristic of the early post‑recoinage silver series.

Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom
• Year: 1817
• Denomination: Sixpence
• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
• Weight: 2.83g
• Diameter: 19mm
• Edge: Milled
• Obverse: Laureate Head of George III (Thomas Wyon Jr.)
• Reverse: Crowned shield of arms
• Classification: Great Recoinage silver; Laureate Head subtype
• Catalogue References: Spink 3788; KM 665

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