II. George ascended the throne in 1727, after the death of his father, George I. He reigned in Great Britain and Ireland until 1760, and was also the ruler of the Electorate of Hanover.

He was the only son of King George I of England and Dorottya Zsófia Cellei. He grew up in Hanover, where he married the beautiful and intelligent Karolina Ansbach. Their marriage produced eight children, only seven of whom reached adulthood. However, due to the early death of his eldest son, Frigyes, he could not follow his father on the throne. Instead, his grandson, III. György followed in his grandfather's footsteps.

II. During George's reign, coins were issued with two different royal portraits. They are known as portraits of youth and old age. The smallest denomination issued was the Farthing. 4 farthings were exchanged for 1 penny and 240 pence for 1 pound.