King George III of Britain – An Unconventional King

King George III of Britain was a complex and controversial figure who faced many challenges during his reign. He is best known for losing the American colonies in the American Revolution, which led to the creation of the United States as an independent nation. Although many blame him for this, it was part of a wider issue but, he was still respected during his reign.

George was born in London on June 4, 1738. He was the eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. George grew up with a love for science, math, music, and art; and he spent most of his time doing outdoor activities such as riding horses, while also learning various languages like French and German. His father died when he was 12 years old, and he finally ascended to the throne in 1960. King George III reigned over Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820. At the beginning of his reign the Kingdom was experiencing great financial instability.

As an adult, George III married Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1761; they had 15 children together before she died in 1818. Interestingly George III bought Buckingham House, now known as Buckingham Palace for Charlotte in 1761. Over the years his relationship with Parliament deteriorated as they disagreed over trade issues, leading to the American Revolution and eventual loss of the colonies. Although George III did not personally develop the policies and taxes levied on Americans which pushed them to resent the the Royalty; they were needed to keep afloat the American colony and to pay for the various wars they were involved in.

In his final days King George III suffered from bouts of insanity, depression and often felt powerless during his reign. He eventually abdicated in favor of his son, who became King George IV. Despite these setbacks, George was respected by many people around him. Lets look at some numismatics to honor of him.

The King George III: America’s Tyrant Album contains a penny issued between 1806 and 1807, during the final years of his reign was the longest of the British monarch at the time. This coin album also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This boxed set contains two one-farthing coins from his reign. Both coins feature the bust of the King on one side and a seated Britannia on the other side. One coin is made of copper, weighs 4.93 g, and has a diameter of 23 mm. The other coin is also made of copper, weighs 6.3 g, and has a diameter of 23.5 mm.

This copper half-penny coin from United Kingdom was issued after King George III suffered through his first two bouts of insanity in 1806 and 1807. Its obverse side features the portrait of King George III. Its reverse side features Britannia. The coin weighs 9.22 g and has a diameter of 28.7 mm.

Sources:

https://www.royal.uk/george-iii

https://www.royal.uk/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-george-iii

https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-III

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_III

thumbnail: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/George_III_%28by_Allan_Ramsay%29.jpg