What Are Wreath Crowns?
'Wreath' Crowns are collectable coins minted in small numbers between 1927 and 1936, during King George V's reign.
These silver coins were struck by the Royal Mint decades after the Crown had fallen out of general circulation. They were not intended for use but were primarily distributed by the Bank of England as Christmas presents for important clients. That makes Wreath Crowns an early example of a commemorative coin.
Wreath Crowns are made from the same 50% silver alloy as other British coins of the period. Each annual issue features the same design, with the date modified on the reverse.
Read more: George V Wreath Crowns: Christmas Presents From The Past
George Kruger Gray's Wreath Crown Reverse
It's the distinctive reverse design that gives Wreath Crowns their name.
This design was the work of English artist George Kruger Gray (1880-1943). Gray is known for his stained glass windows and his contributions to British and Commonwealth coin designs. He was a 'preferred contractor' for the Royal Mint.
Kruger Gray's design for George V's Crowns shows a central royal crown with the date above, surrounded by a wreath of shamrocks, thistles and roses, representing Ireland, Scotland and England. The words '· FID · · DEF · · IND · · IMP ·' appear above with the word 'CROWN' below, along with the initials 'KG'.
Official Coinage Portrait Of George V
The obverse of all Wreath Crowns features the definitive coinage portrait of King George V by Bertram Mackennal (1863-1931).
Born in Australia, Mackennal is known for his large-scale public sculptures and his work on George V's coins and stamps. His bare-headed bust of George can be seen on all British coins issued during this monarch's reign, including Wreath Crowns. Mackennal also designed a second crowned coin portrait that was used on coins struck across the British Empire.
Wreath Crowns shows Mackennal's UK portrait of George V, facing left, with the words 'GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN REX' around it. The artist's 'BM' initials appear on the truncation of the King's neck.
Full Wreath Crown Mintage Figures
Wreath Crowns are scarce and sought-after coins, with each issue minted in limited numbers.
| Wreath Crowns | Mintage |
| 1927 Proof Wreath Crown | 15,030 |
| 1928 Wreath Crown | 9,034 |
| 1929 Wreath Crown | 4,994 |
| 1930 Wreath Crown | 4,847 |
| 1931 Wreath Crown | 4,056 |
| 1932 Wreath Crown | 2,395 |
| 1933 Wreath Crown | 7,132 |
| 1934 Wreath Crown | 932 |
| 1936 Wreath Crown | 2,473 |
The rarest Wreath Crown by far is the 1934 Wreath Crown, with less than 1,000 issued.
Rare, proof Wreath Crowns were struck in most years. The 1927-dated Wreath Crown is only found in a proof finish, with these coins originally issued as part of 1927 silver proof sets.
