The 1826 £5 piece was the highest denomination in the coinage of the George IV and was not issued for general circulation. The epitome of Regency design, the reverse features the royal shield while the obverse designed by William Wyon features the bare head portrait.
Something between 150 and 225 were struck as part of the 1826 proof sets.
This example, with only a slight scratch to count against it, sold for £78,000 (estimate £25,000-35,000) when Harmers of London held its inaugural sale at the Westbury Mayfair Hotel on September 24-25.
The buyer's premium was 18%.
