This very rare piece is another example of the fine patterns being produced at this period. With the coming reform of the coinage, the five- and two-guinea pieces do not appear again for general circulation. John Sigismund Tanner came to England in 1728, was appointed chief engraver in 1741 and died in 1775. He was responsible for a large number of pattern coins and for most of the second "old head" type of currency coins issued during the reign of George II.