Our Curiosity of the Month for April is the Gold Sovereign 50th Anniversary Two Coin Set from 2008.
Only 250 sets were produced by The Royal Mint and they are increasingly hard to come by.
Early History of the Gold Sovereign
Gold sovereign coins have a rich history. Since their introduction centuries ago, these coins have become a popular choice for coin collectors and investors alike.
The first gold sovereign was struck during Henry V11’s reign. Gold coins had been in circulation for centuries in England, but on 14th October 1489, the King ordered the Royal Mint to produce ‘a new money of gold’. These coins were like nothing that had ever been seen in England before. Large and handsome, Henry V11 ordered the coins to include a majestic double rose symbolising the union of York and Lancaster following the end of the war of the roses.
The coin was an emblem of stability and prestige and the sovereign was accepted as a currency in Britain. When each monarch succeeded the throne, they would create a new sovereign for themselves.
Read 'The Importance of The Gold Sovereign Coin' here.
More Recent History of the Sovereign
The tradition of minting new designs died out for over 150 years before the Sovereign was resurrected following the defeat of Napoleon, at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Britain’s financial situation was looking dire, and so a review of the coinage led to the introduction of a gleaming twenty-shilling piece named the ‘New’ sovereign. Almost half the weight and size of its counterpart. It featured the iconic St George and the Dragon designed by Benedetto Pistrucci.
In 1825, St George was replaced by a standard image of the royal coat of arms. This proved to be very unpopular and Pistrucci’s George was reinstated during Queen Victoria’s reign.
The same image has predominantly remained on the reverse of the coin ever since.
About this Gold Sovereign Set
The 2008 Full Gold Sovereign 50th Anniversary Two Coin Set contains one full gold sovereign dated 1958 and one full gold proof sovereign dated 2008. They are supplied with the original box and numbered certificate of authenticity.
The 1958 sovereign bears a portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth dating from 1957. The coin was one of 8,700,140 struck in 1958 and is presented in good condition. The 2008 proof sovereign is one of 12,500 proof quality coins struck using specially polished blanks and dies and is presented in exceptional condition.
Each coin is struck in 22ct gold with a weight of 7.98g per coin.
Sovereign Coins In Stock
As well as this two coin gold sovereign set we always have a wide range of collectable sovereigns available to purchase. These include coins from the reign of George V, Edward VII, Queen Victoria and of course Elizabeth II.
Sovereigns are legal tender in the UK and benefit from being capital gains tax and VAT free.
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