George IV specimen proof set

The auctioneer states that the first British “proof set” is a matter of debate with issues in 1746, under George II, and 1820 being possible contenders. However, the first official set advertised by the Royal Mint came in October 1826. Initially only four or five sets were produced but, after adverse comments in The Globe, this was increased to 150 sets.

The set comprises 11 coins: Five Pounds, Two Pounds, Sovereign, Half-Sovereign, Crown, Half Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Penny, Halfpenny and Sixpence