British Sovereign Gold Coin

British Gold Sovereign Coin

the British Gold Sovereign Coin feature the Elizabeth II bust encircled by the words “Dei Gratia Regina F:D”. This is Latin for By The Grace of God, Queen. On the reverse of these sovereign gold coins is the image of of St. George slaying a mythical dragon. He is on a horseback and you can find the mint mark and date beneath his figure.

The British Sovereign gold coins are highly valued for their rich and colorful history. These coins are known for their intrinsic value and are a collector’s favorites. They have undergone numerous transformations in overall coinage and design through ages and today is one of the largest circulating and most sought after gold investment.

British Sovereign Gold Coins History

Gold Sovereign coins were first issued for England’s Henry VII in the year 1489 and continue to be produced till date. These coins were official bullion gold pieces and featured no value marked on them, though their nominal value was 20 shillings or one pound.

The very first coins minted were made of pure 95.83% pure 23 carat gold. These coins weighed around 240 grains and were very popularly sought after during that period. Minting of British sovereign gold coins were stopped completely after the year 1604. These were fast replaced by the laurels, unites and guineas.

It was only in the year 1816 that minting of British sovereign gold coin was restarted by George III. The first sovereign gold coins featured a crown and shield on one side with a heraldic wreath on the other. In the year 1871, this design was replaced by an art engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci which was an attractive portrayal of a dragon being slayed by Saint George. This design continues to be used on British gold sovereigns till date. On the reverse, design range varied from William IV to George IV, Victoria and Elizabeth II.

Gold Sovereign Coin Value & Demand

According to the prevailing practice, Bank of England removed half sovereigns and worn out coins from circulation and re-minted them during the Victorian period. Federal regulations made sure that gold coins that were offered as international payments to countries like the United States by England were melted and made into bars. Many coins were also melted in the year 1933 when they were removed completely from circulation.

From the year 1932, after the coins were stopped from being minted in England, production shifted to branch mints at Ottawa, Bombay, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Pretoria. The year 1957 saw production being reinitiated to prevent circulation of counterfeit coins from Italy and Syria.

The year 2000 saw a new demand for gold based off economic forecast and minting began again for the current british sovereign coins. Today, the sovereign gold coin is minted at the Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Royal Mint in Llantrsant. If you buy gold or are a coin collector the most recognized world gold coins - the British Sovereign, French Franc or Swiss Franc are highly recommended for diversifying your portfolio.

* Pictures are an indication only, price of coins are applicable for dates of our choice