William IV (1830-1837). 5 pound crown test, gold coinage, burnished blank (PROOF) 1831, London.

GREAT BRITAIN William IV (1830-1837). Crown, gold strike, Proof 1831, London.
Obv. GULIELMUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D:. Bust facing right, signature W. W. on the edge of the neck.
Rev. Shield surrounded by the Collar and laying on a crowned mantle ; below ANNO (date).
KM.PnA98 - Esc.2463 (R5, previously. Esc.272) - S.3833 - Fr.381 ; Gold - 38 mm - 6h.
Top Pop : this is the only PCGS graded example !
PCGS PR62DCAM. Proof with smooth edge and a Deep Cameo effect between mirror fields and matte reliefs. Minimal notches on the rim, minor hairlines on the fields and some micro-scratches. Very nice light, golden patina with barely greenish tones. Very rare.

The bust, on the obverse, is inspired by Francis Leggatt Chantrey (1782-1841), a renowned sculptor during the Georgian era, famous for his busts. The reverse is made by Jean-Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850), who was an engraver and medalist in Paris before moving to London after the Battle of Waterloo. He joins the Royal Mint in 1820, recommended by Benedetto Pistrucci, as assistant engraver to the chief engraver William Wyon. Merlen mainly worked on reverses, such as the ones used on the half-sovereigns of William IV, a theme that will be taken up again under Victoria, or the reverses of the Maundy set coins, used from 1822 to 1887.