British Gold Sovereign Coins

About The British Gold Sovereign

The British Gold Sovereign is a gold coin minted in various forms since 1489. The modern Gold Sovereign was first introduced in 1817 during the reign of King George III and has been minted every year since, except for 1933, when gold coins were not minted in the United Kingdom.

The Gold Sovereign is made of 22-carat gold and weighs 7.98 grams. It has a diameter of 22.05mm and a thickness of 1.52mm. The coin's design has changed over time, but it has always featured an image of the reigning monarch on the obverse and a depiction of St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse.

The British Gold Sovereign is a classic bullion coin widely traded and collected by investors and enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to the standard Sovereign, various special editions and commemoratives have been issued over the years, which can add value to a collection.

The British Gold Sovereign is also one of the few gold coins exempt from capital gains tax in the UK, making it a popular choice for UK investors.

Design Of The British Gold Sovereign

The appearance of the Gold Sovereign has changed over time, but it has always featured an image of the reigning monarch on the obverse and a depiction of St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse.

The obverse design of the Sovereign typically features a portrait of the reigning monarch, with the name and title of the monarch inscribed around the edge of the coin. The design may change yearly, depending on the reigning monarch's image.

The reverse design of the Sovereign features St. George, the patron saint of England, on horseback, slaying a dragon. The design is surrounded by the inscription "GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:" which translates to "George V by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India."

In addition to the standard Sovereign design, various special editions and commemoratives have been issued over the years, which may feature different designs or variations on the traditional design. For example, some special editions may feature another monarch or have a unique design to commemorate a specific event or anniversary.

History Of The British Gold Sovereign

The Gold Sovereign was first introduced in 1489 by King Henry VII as a large gold coin worth 20 shillings. It was intended to symbolize the king's power and wealth and was used for trade with other countries.

In 1817, the modern Gold Sovereign was introduced during the reign of King George III. It was worth one pound sterling and used as a circulating coin in Britain and its colonies. Over the years, the design of the Sovereign has changed several times, but it has remained a symbol of British monetary and economic power.

During World War I, the British government stopped issuing Gold Sovereigns for circulation, but they continued to be produced for international trade. In 1971, the government abandoned the Gold Standard, and the Gold Sovereign was no longer used as a circulating coin. However, it continued to be minted as a bullion coin for investment purposes.

Today, the British Gold Sovereign is one of the most popular gold coins and is widely traded and collected by investors and enthusiasts worldwide. It is also used as a gift for special occasions, such as weddings or christenings.

In addition, the British Gold Sovereign has a unique status in the UK as a legal tender coin. However, its face value is much lower than its bullion value, so it is not typically used in everyday transactions.