Buy Gold Sovereigns Online

Explore one of Europe’s longest-running and most prestigious gold coin programs with the British Gold Sovereign. First minted by The Royal Mint on October 28, 1489, the gold sovereign holds a rich history as a symbol of England’s power and prestige throughout the ages.

Brief History of the Gold Sovereign

• The gold sovereign was introduced during the reign of King Henry VII in 1489, becoming England’s largest and most valuable gold coin at the time.
• Initial designs featured King Henry VII seated on his throne in ceremonial attire, symbolizing royal authority.
• The reverse depicted the double rose, symbolizing the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster after the Wars of the Roses.
• After a hiatus, modern gold sovereigns re-emerged in 1817 during King George III’s reign, featuring his profile on the obverse and St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse.

Modern Era Gold Sovereigns

• Since 1817, gold sovereigns have been minted in various designs and for different purposes:
  • Originally used for circulation, these gold coins had a face value of 20 Shillings, with .917 gold content.
  • From 1914 to 1978, sovereigns were primarily used as trade coins and issued in varying designs reflecting the ruling monarch.
  • Since 1979, they have been minted as bullion coins with a nominal face value of 1 Pound Sterling, appealing to investors worldwide.

Design Evolution of Gold Sovereigns

• Obverse designs have featured:
  • King George III (1817), depicted by Benedetto Pistrucci with a Garter ribbon.
  • Queen Victoria I (1837-1901), showcasing different busts and crowned shield designs.
  • Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2023), with portraits by Mary Gillick, Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, Ian Rank-Broadley, Jody Clark, and Martin Jennings.
  • King Charles III (2023-present), marking a new era with a left-profile portrait by Martin Jennings.
• The reverse typically features Pistrucci’s iconic St. George and the dragon design, symbolizing victory over evil.

Versions and Varieties of Gold Sovereigns

• Standard Gold Sovereign: Available since 1817, the most common and widely recognized coin in the series.
• Gold Double Sovereign: Originally minted in 1817, reintroduced in the 1980s as a bullion coin for investors.
• Gold Half Sovereign: Also introduced in 1817, more commonly available in the 20th and 21st centuries as a bullion coin.

Conclusion

The British Gold Sovereign stands as a testament to England’s numismatic heritage and enduring economic influence. With its historical significance and enduring popularity among collectors and investors, the sovereign remains a cornerstone of British coinage.