The sovereign is a glistening gold coin from the United Kingdom. It’s a rich and important part of British history. Now a bullion coin, the Gold Sovereign is a collector’s piece that is celebrated around the world. This article takes a look at what makes this coin so important.
The First Sovereign Coins
The first 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 his officers at 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 after the war of the roses.
The coin was an emblem of stability and prestige after the wars. And so the tradition began, and the sovereign was accepted as a currency in Britain. When each monarch succeeded the throne, they would create a new sovereign for themselves. A glimmering sign of strength and British prestige.
The Gleaming Resurrection
The tradition of minting new designs died out for over 150 years before the Sovereign was resurrected, after the defeat of Napoleon, at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Britain’s financial situation was looking grim, and so a review of the coinage led to the introduction of a gleaming new twenty-shilling piece named the ‘New’ sovereign. Almost half the weight and size of its counterpart – and featuring the iconic St George and the Dragon – the designs for this new beauty were by Benedetto Pistrucci.
In 1825, St George was replaced by a standard image of the royal coat of arms. But this came against much criticism and was changed back in Queen Victoria’s reign to Pistrucci’s George. To this day, the same image remains strong on the reverse of the coin – with the monarch’s portrait proudly portrayed on the front. (But for a few special occasions, like Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002).
The Modern Sovereign
The trusty gold sovereign helped finance Britain during WW1, with an estimated £100,000,000 taken from the vaults of the Bank of England to aid the fight.
Every coin is made using the original master tools –meaning they show Pistrucci’s bold, brilliant designs in all their original glory.
Now recognized and cherished by bullion collectors from around the world, the sovereign is greatly sought after – both as a Full Size Sovereign and Half Size Sovereign coin sizes.
Bullion at Bleyer
Are you wanting to purchase a gold sovereign for yourself? Get in touch with our loyal team on 01769 618618 or email [email protected].
