British Sovereign

The gold British Sovereign can trace its history to Henry VII (1485-1509) who issued the first 20-shilling gold coin in 1489. The minting of the British Sovereign was suspended shortly after James I ascended to the throne of England in 1603. More than 200 years later, gold Sovereigns were once again struck commencing with George III in 1817.

In the 19th Century, the Master of the Mint commissioned his protégé, Royal Mint engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, to create the now classic image of St. George and the dragon for the reverse (back) of this coin. In 1890, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Goschen , declared: "Nothing, in my opinion, is more handsome than the St. George and Dragon."

From the time of Queen Victoria until Britain went off the gold standard, British Sovereigns were minted as circulating gold coins with the stated value of one pound.

Goldline offers both circulated and uncirculated versions of these magnificent gold coins from the reigns of British Kings and Queens.

European gold coins like the British Sovereign are the #1 choice of Goldline clients. Find out why.

Design of the Gold British Sovereign

The obverse (front) of these gold British Sovereigns features the bust of the reigning king of the time. The bust is surrounded by words containing the name of the ruler followed by the words 'D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:'.

The reverse on each gold coin features a famous representation of St. George on horseback slaying a mythical dragon. The date and Mint Mark appear beneath St. George.

Two Kings

Edward VII

Edward VII was born Albert Edward to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. At just one month, he was invested with the titles of Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester. Renowned as a sportsman, he succeeded his mother as England's ruler in 1901, reigning until his death in 1910. Edward VII was known as the "peacemaker" for his ability to foster strong relations with other European countries. Both circulated and Brilliant Uncirculated versions of these British gold Sovereign coins are available.

George V

George V succeeded Edward VII to the throne in 1910. The first monarch of the now famous House of Windsor, George V shepherded his nation through World War I. Following World War I, George V warned his nation of the growing threat of Nazi Germany. He died in 1936. Both circulated and Brilliant Uncirculated versions of these gold British Sovereign coins are available.

Two Queens

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was one of Britain's longest reigning monarchs, having ruled from 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign became known as the Victorian era, famous for the industrial revolution and significant expansion of the British Empire as well as society's strong emphasis on morality and family values. Both circulated and Brilliant Uncirculated versions of these gold British Sovereign coins are available.

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II is the current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She ascended to the throne in 1952. Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) served in World War II as a military truck driver with the rank of Second Subaltern (a junior officer). Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee marking her 50th year as Queen in 2002. British Sovereigns of Queen Elizabeth II are available in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.

Learn why European gold coins like the British Sovereign are the #1 choice of Goldline clients.