1783–1855 · Italy
Italian master who designed the iconic St. George slaying the dragon on British coins—still used today.
Benedetto Pistrucci (29 May 1783 – 16 September 1855) was an Italian gem-engraver, medallist and a coin engraver, probably best known for his Saint George and the Dragon design for the British sovereign coin. Pistrucci was commissioned by the British government to create the large Waterloo Medal, a project which took him thirty years to complete. Born in Rome in 1783, Pistrucci studied briefly with other artists before striking out on his own at age 15. He became prominent a…
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