1772 Great Britain Silver Two Pence Maundy Coin – George III Era Royal Collectible

coinmogul | August 5, 2025 | British Coins

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The 1772 Great Britain Silver Two Pence Maundy coin is a striking example of British numismatic heritage, issued during the reign of King George III. As part of the annual Maundy coinage tradition, this historic 2 pence piece not only embodies centuries of royal ceremony but also reflects the craftsmanship of 18th-century British minting.

Unlike standard currency, Maundy coins are special issues, traditionally handed out by the British monarch during the Royal Maundy Thursday ceremony. The 1772 Two Pence (2d) coin is particularly significant as it represents an early example from the reign of one of Britain’s most iconic and long-reigning monarchs.

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👑 The Tradition of Maundy Coinage

The Royal Maundy tradition dates back centuries, with its origins rooted in Christian acts of humility. Each year on Maundy Thursday, the monarch distributes small silver coins to elderly recipients as a symbolic act of service. These coins are not intended for circulation but are minted specifically for the ceremony—making them rare and highly collectible.

Each Maundy set traditionally includes four coins: a penny, twopence, threepence, and fourpence. This 1772 Silver Two Pence Maundy coin was part of one such ceremonial distribution.

📌 Coin Specifications

Country: Great Britain
Year: 1772
Denomination: Two Pence (2d)
Monarch: King George III
Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
Diameter: ~15 mm
Weight: ~1.00 grams (standard 1/31 troy oz, approx. 15.5 grains)
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint
Strike Type: Business strike (Prooflike in select examples)

🖼️ Design Details

Obverse: Features a laureate bust of King George III, facing right. The legend reads GEORGIVS III DEI GRATIA, meaning “George III, by the grace of God.”

Reverse: Displays the denomination “2” at the center of a crowned wreath, encircled by the inscription 1772. The design is simple yet elegant, a hallmark of the Maundy coinage tradition.

The artistry of the coin lies in its minimalist royal symbolism, fitting its role as part of a ceremonial gift rather than a monetary instrument of commerce.

💎 Why Collect the 1772 Great Britain Silver Two Pence Maundy Coin?

This historic Maundy coin is highly desirable for a number of reasons:

Issued during the reign of George III, a pivotal monarch in British and colonial history
Part of an ancient royal tradition still honored today
Silver content and delicate size make it a charming addition to any collection
Scarce surviving population due to limited ceremonial issuance
Often collected as part of full Maundy sets, increasing demand among specialists

This coin is especially sought after by collectors of early British silver, royal commemoratives, and numismatic artifacts tied to living traditions.

🧭 Historical Context – Reign of George III

King George III reigned from 1760 to 1820 and presided over a transformative period in British history—including the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and sweeping changes in politics and society. The 1772 issue predates the Declaration of Independence by just four years, placing this coin squarely in one of the most historically rich periods of the British Empire.

Owning a coin from this year is like holding a small relic from the age of revolutions and reform, struck under the authority of the monarch who would later be caricatured by American revolutionaries as “Mad King George.”

🌍 Who Collects Maundy Coins?

This 1772 Maundy Two Pence coin is ideal for collectors of:

British royal memorabilia
18th-century silver coins
George III-era issues
Historic ceremonial coinage
Low-denomination type sets
Coins with religious and cultural symbolism

Its ties to British monarchy, its connection to living tradition, and its petite silver form make it a standout collector’s piece.

🧾 Numismatic Notes

Maundy coins are often found in high grades due to their non-circulating nature, though examples from the 18th century like this 1772 piece may show light handling from their ceremonial use. Collectors value original toning, crisp strikes, and problem-free surfaces.

Coins certified by major grading services such as NGC or PCGS in XF or higher condition are especially desirable.

🔚 Final Thoughts

The 1772 Great Britain Silver Two Pence Maundy coin represents the convergence of monarchical ritual, numismatic rarity, and 18th-century British silver artistry. Issued in a time of profound historical change, this Maundy piece offers collectors a meaningful and tangible connection to the enduring traditions of the British crown.

Whether you’re assembling a full Maundy set, focusing on the reign of George III, or simply drawn to coins with ceremonial legacy, this piece is a superb addition to any advanced numismatic collection.