A Premier Masterpiece of British Numismatics

The 1777 George III Half Guinea – NGC MS62
One of only 8 certified examples — a remarkable survivor from the age of empire.

■ Overview

This 1777 Half Guinea gold coin, struck during the reign of King George III, is not only a rare numismatic artifact, but also a compact embodiment of British royal authority and global influence in the late 18th century.

With only 8 examples certified by NGC — and just 4 graded Mint State (MS) — this is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a coin that combines rarity, artistry, and historical weight.

■ Design

Obverse:
Portrait of King George III, with the Latin legend:
GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA
(“George III, by the Grace of God”)

Reverse:
Crowned shield featuring the quartered royal arms representing:

• England and Scotland

• France

• Ireland

• Hanover (Holy Roman Empire)

Legend: M.B.F. ET H.REX F.D.B. ET L.D.S.R.I.A.T. ET E
(Abbreviating the full Latin titles of George III, including King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland; Defender of the Faith; Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg; Arch-Treasurer and Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire)

This dense inscription reflects the multi-national sovereignty and complex heraldic claims of the British crown during a time of expanding empire.

The quartered shield and royal crown symbolize the unification of kingdoms under a single monarch, presenting a potent visual message of imperial stability and royal legitimacy during the turbulent era of the American Revolutionary War.

■ Grade

NGC Certified – MS62 (Mint State)
NGC Certification Lookup

• MS65: 1 coin

• MS63: 1 coin

• MS62+: 1 coin

• MS62: 1 coin (this piece)

This coin is currently ranked 4th highest among the 8 total certified examples — a superb position for a coin struck nearly 250 years ago.

■ Coin Details

• Date: 1777

• Country: Great Britain

• Monarch: King George III

• Denomination: Half Guinea

• Metal: Gold

• Weight: Approx. 4.2 grams

• Diameter: Approx. 20 mm

• Mint: Tower Mint, London

• Designer: Thomas Pingo

• Grading Agency: NGC

• Grade: MS62

• Certified Population (NGC): 8 total, 4 in MS

■ Rarity and Preservation

The combination of:

• Historic age (minted in 1777)

• Low certified population

• Mint State (MS) preservation

makes this coin extraordinarily rare.

Most surviving guinea and half-guinea coins show moderate to heavy wear due to their extensive circulation. This example, however, has been preserved with remarkable clarity, showing:

• Well-struck facial features on the portrait of George III

• Sharp detail in the royal arms and surrounding legends

• Original mint luster and limited signs of handling

Such preservation elevates this coin from a historical relic to a collector-grade investment asset.

■ Historical Context

This coin was minted during a critical turning point in global history — the height of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).
Despite the geopolitical unrest, the issuance of the Half Guinea continued as a symbol of Britain’s enduring royal power and monetary stability.

The reverse inscription highlights King George III’s expansive and multi-faceted role across Britain, France (in title), Ireland, and the Holy Roman Empire, underscoring the complex web of 18th-century European power and Britain's role at its center.

Introduced in 1663, the guinea series remained Britain’s most iconic gold coinage until 1813, serving as a symbol of wealth, class, and international trust in trade. This 1777 issue is especially notable due to its:

• Historical resonance with American independence

• Heraldic complexity reflecting transnational kingship

• Political symbolism during an era of revolutionary transformation

■ Market Significance

Coins from the George III guinea series are highly coveted by collectors of:

• British gold coinage

• 18th-century political history

• American Revolutionary War-era artifacts

With so few Mint State examples in existence, and virtually none appearing regularly in auctions, the MS62 Half Guinea is one of the most elusive targets for advanced collectors.

The combination of:

• Low population (only 8 certified by NGC)

• MS-grade preservation

• A date tied to one of the most defining moments in Western history
  ensures continued appreciation and global demand.

■ Final Assessment

This 1777 Half Guinea is not simply a coin — it is a testament to British royal power, monetary heritage, and historic transformation.
It embodies three core elements:

• Majesty (through regal design and monarchic symbolism)

• Monetary reliability (as a foundation of the pre-industrial British economy)

• Museological quality (in preservation and historical context)

It stands as a jewel in any advanced collection and a rare opportunity for investment in a historically rich, artistically executed, and market-respected gold coin.

With so few in existence, and even fewer in this level of preservation, this is a coin that deserves immediate and serious consideration.