[ Random ] Great Britain Gold Sovereigns

British Sovereigns are one of the most popular and recognizable forms of gold bullion worldwide and as well as being a legal tender UK coin for £1. Its’ classic design of St. George slaying the dragon has been in use since 1817. Every single item has been verified for its exact gold purity using our Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Tester. Please get in touch with us directly if you are wanting to acquire larger amounts of bullion.

Highlights:

- 7.98g Weight

- Struck from 22ct ( 0.917 ) Gold

- 0.2354oz Pure Gold Content ( AGW )

The History of the British Sovereign:

Introduction (1489): The Gold Sovereign was first introduced during the reign of King Henry VII in 1489. The name 'sovereign' was given because the coin bore an image of the reigning monarch on its obverse side. The original sovereigns were 23 carat gold and weighed half a troy ounce.

Discontinuation (1604): The production of the Gold Sovereign was discontinued in 1604 during the reign of James I. The coin was replaced by Unites, Laurels, Broad pieces, and Guineas.

Reintroduction (1817): The Gold Sovereign was reintroduced into British coinage in 1817, following the Great Recoinage Act of 1816. The purpose of this was to stabilize the currency after economic difficulties caused by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The modern sovereign is 22 carat gold and weighs just under a quarter of a troy ounce.

Design Changes (1817- Present): The design of the coin has evolved over time. Initially, it depicted King George III and the image of Saint George slaying a dragon, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. This design has been largely used on the reverse side till today, while the obverse side typically bears the portrait of the current reigning monarch. Current Rulers Available: George V, Elizabeth II