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Great Engravers William IV 2 Oz UK silver proof Coin 2026
PRE-SALE SHIPPING ESTIMATED WITHIN MARCH 2026
Issue Limit 3000
Year: 2026
Grade: PROOF
Mintage: 3000 coins
Metal Content: 62,42 gr
Purity: .999 Fine Silver
Diameter: 40 mm
The 2026 William IV Crown 2 oz Silver Proof Coin is the seventh release in the now beloved 'Great Engravers Collection' from The Royal Mint. This release is the first of the collection to feature legendary designer Jean Baptiste Merlen's work, with the reverse featuring the now rare and iconic design from the 1831 Crown.
For this release the reverse of the original 1831 crown has been reproduced by The Royal Mint using modern techniques to complete the modern interpretation, honoring a masterpiece of engraving skill.
William IV (1765-1837) spent the youth of his life serving in the Royal Navy, seeing active service between 1779 and 1790. During his youth he earned the nickname 'Silly Billy' due to his excitable and often tactless behaviour, a name which still sees use in modern day slang.
When William IV was finally crowned king in 1830, at the age of 64, he was the oldest person to ascend to the throne until recently being overtaken by King Charles III in 2022. During his reign he earned a new nickname 'the Sailor King' due to the naval prowess seen in his early years, and during his reign King William was seen as a well-intentioned and patriotic ruler.
Jean Baptiste Merlen's Legacy
Jean Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850) was a French designer, engraver and medallist. Merlen actually began his career with the Paris Mint, designing medals under Napolean's reign including the medal which celebrated Napoleon's coronation as Emperor in 1804. In 1815, after Napoleon's defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, Merlen moved to London and began work under The Royal Mint, an appointment that some believe was down to Benedetto Pistrucci himself, after the two became acquainted in France.
Merlen was best known for his reverse designs, including those for the 1820 half-Crown, the Royal Arms Shield design featuring on Sovereigns throughout the 1820s and, of course, the 1831 Crown. Although he sought retirement in 1844, Merlen's designs were prominent on the Sovereign for over another 40 years.
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