By DB Sikes
Card Subject Overview
King George III of England (1738–1820) remains one of the most consequential monarchs in British and American history. Ascending the throne in 1760, his reign witnessed the loss of the American colonies following the Revolutionary War, as well as Britain’s eventual triumph over Napoleon at Waterloo. His firm belief in royal authority and unwillingness to compromise on colonial taxation fueled the independence movement across the Atlantic. Later in life, he endured periods of blindness and mental illness, earning the moniker “Mad King George” in popular memory.
His appearance in the T68 “Men of History” Series 2 is striking, portraying him in bright red regimental uniform against a vivid green backdrop, symbolic of his role as the central antagonist to American independence. As one of the few monarchs featured in the set, his card bridges Old World authority with New World defiance, making it a centerpiece for both historical and collector interest.
“I desire what is good. Therefore, everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor.”
– attributed to King George III
Card Checklist
✅ All known backs and variations completed:
- Royal Bengals (Factory 2)
- Royal Bengals (Factory 17) – warmer tone typical of this print run
- Miners Extra (Regular)
- Miners Extra (Short Cut)
- Natural Leaf Scrap
- Pan Handle Scrap (Blue) – one shade confirmed, SGC 2.5
- Pan Handle Scrap (Silver Back)
- Blank Back (Unconfirmed)
This King George III “run the table” includes the elusive Pan Handle Scrap Silver Back, one of the rarest and most visually distinctive variations in the set.
Rarity Tier & Difficulty Level
George III is a Tier 3 – Supporting Cast / Regional Hero within the T68 Men of History Series 2. While historically prominent as the monarch who presided over the loss of the American colonies, he is not considered a marquee figure within the set itself. That said, collector demand remains strong due to his direct association with the American Revolution, making him a highly desirable subject. Completing a full-back run is particularly difficult due to the scarcity of Natural Leaf Scraps and the rarity of the Pan Handle Scrap Silver Back.
Acquisition Journey
The crown jewel of this run, the Pan Handle Scrap Blue (graded SGC 2.5), was secured after a long search and represents one of the most challenging George III variations to surface. The card retains strong color and sharp registration despite moderate wear, a testament to its survival over more than a century.
The Royal Bengals examples, sourced from both Factory 2 and Factory 17, highlight subtle tonal differences—Factory 17 cards consistently display warmer hues in their lithography. The Miners Extra versions (both regular and short cut) came from group acquisitions of Series 2 subjects, while the Natural Leaf Scrap was located through a private sale, adding depth to the overall set.
At present, only one confirmed shade of blue exists in the Pan Handle Scrap George III collection, though further acquisitions may reveal both the darker navy and lighter steel-blue shades seen in other subjects.
Printing & Distribution Notes
George III’s wide distribution across Royal Bengals, Miners Extra, Pan Handle Scrap, and Natural Leaf Scrap suggests strong demand for his card in American tobacco products. His role as the figurehead of British opposition to independence made him instantly recognizable to early 20th-century audiences.
The Factory 17 Royal Bengals variation again demonstrates subtle differences from Factory 2 print runs, aligning with broader research into lithographic and ink variations by factory site.
The Pan Handle Scrap Silver Back is especially noteworthy. Produced at Factory No. 10 in the 5th District of New Jersey, this metallic-backed variant is among the most coveted across the entire T68 series, with very few surviving in collectible condition.
Research Notes
George III’s prominence within the set underscores the way the T68 Men of History series juxtaposed American revolutionaries with their adversaries, reinforcing themes of patriotism and triumph. His card’s presence across multiple tobacco brands suggests intentional distribution to capitalize on U.S. public fascination with Revolutionary War figures.
The Silver Back Pan Handle Scrap, while rare for all subjects, stands out as one of the most visually unique and highly prized elements of this run. Its scarcity elevates George III’s complete table run into the upper echelon of Series 2 collecting achievements.
Personal Reflection
Completing the King George III run was both historically and personally rewarding. The Silver Back acquisition marked a milestone in my T68 journey, anchoring the set with a rare and eye-catching piece. The contrast between the Royal Bengals factories, the rugged appeal of Miners Extra, and the elegance of the Scrap issues highlights the richness of this pursuit. Adding future blue-shade variants will further strengthen the completeness of the run, but as it stands, George III now joins the short list of fully completed “run the table” subjects in my collection.
Category Tags
- Subject Name: King George III of England
- Variation Type: Pan Handle Scrap (Blue, Silver Back), Natural Leaf Scrap, Miners Extra Regular & Short, Royal Bengals Factory 2 & 17
- Rarity Tier: Tier 4- True Commons
- Year: 1910–1911
- T68 Series: Series Two
- Full Back-Type Completed: ✅
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