George IV (1820-30) farthing, 1823.

This coin was found at Lincluden Abbey and offers an example of copper coinage issued under the reign of King George IV. The obverse design features the robed and laureate bust of the king. Helmed Britannia is seated on the reverse, holding a trident and an olive branch against a shield. The inscription on the obverse reads 'GEORGIUS IIII DEI GRATIA'. The Latin translates as:' George IV by the grace of God'. On the reverse, the legend quotes 'BRITANNIAR: REX FID: DEF:’ which means ' King of Britain and Defensor of the Faith’. George IV ascended to the throne in 1820, after his father's death, George III. Prior to accession, George IV served as Prince Regent from 1811 until 1820, due to his father's ill health. Dubbed the first gentleman of England, he was disliked by the general population for his extravagance and lack of leadership during the Napoleonic wars. He was a patron of the arts, with a predilection for paintings, furniture and architecture. The first George IV farthing was minted in 1821 and the last in 1830. Dates not minted, 1820, 1824.