History of the British Sovereign
The British Sovereign gold coin has its history going back to the 13th century when Henry VII issued the nation’s first 20-shilling gold in the year 1489. However, its minting was suspended when James I started his rule in1603. But when George III came on the throne in 1817, the British gold reigned sovereign again.
During the 19th century, Benedetto Pistrucci was commissioned to redesign the British Sovereign to today’s classic St. George image on its obverse with a dragon image on its reverse. Since then, the British Sovereign gold coins were minted to be used as currency one pound gold until Britain stopped using the gold standard.
Now, these sovereign pieces are only found in the trading circulation although many pieces are still privately owned and uncirculated.
British Sovereign gold designs
The coin’s obverse showcases the bust of that time’s reigning king with his name and words “D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:”.
Its reverse shows St. George on a horse slaying some mythical dragon with the Mint Mark and date beneath.
Tale of Two Kings
King Edward VII
One British Sovereign gold coin sports Edward VII’s bust. He was the first born of Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert. He was named Albert Edward with Earl of Chester and Prince of Wales titles when he was one month old. He was renowned as an avid sportsman before ascending to the throne in 1901. He died in 1910 as a notable “peacemaker” in fostering peaceful relations between England and other European nations. Today, the British Sovereigns with his image are widely circulated in the market.
King George V
George V was Edward VII’s successor to the British throne in the year 1910. He was the first monarch residing at the famous House of Windsor. He led his country through WWI before warning his country of the impending Nazi threat from Germany. George V died in the year 1936. Now, British Sovereign gold coins with his image are widely circulated including the Brilliant Uncirculated copies.
Tale of Two Queens
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria ruled the longest in Britain from 1837 to 1901. Her Victorian era reign became famous for many occasions: the industrial revolution, significant British Empire expansion and strong society emphasis on family values and morality. Today, all British Sovereigns of her image are circulated for acquisition.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II started reigning in Britain from 1952 till today. She served in WWII driving a military truck with a junior officer ranking of Second Subaltern. In 2002, the whole of England celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee as England’s Queen. Only the Brilliant Uncirculated British Sovereigns gold coins of Queen Elizabeth II can be found in circulation today.
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