Sovereign Gold Coin

A Gold Sovereign is a gold coin first issued in 1489 for Henry VII of England and still in production as of 2009. While the coin typically had a nominal value of one pound sterling or 20 shillings, the sovereign was primarily an official piece of bullion with no mark of value anywhere on the coin itself.

The name "sovereign" comes from the majestic and impressive size and portraiture of the coin, the earliest of which showed the king facing, seated on a throne, while the reverse shows the Royal coat of arms on a shield surrounded by a Tudor double rose.

The first sovereigns were of 23-carat (95.83%) gold and weighed 240 grains, or half a troy ounce. King Henry VIII lessened the gold content to 22 carats, or 91.67%, and under the name of crown gold this became the gold coin standard in both the British Isles and the United States. The coin's weight was reduced several times until it was last minted in 1604. Unites, Laurels, broads, and guineas later took its place.

Technical Specifications

Diameter
22.05 mm.

Weight
7.98 grams.

Alloy (Carats)
22

Fineness (millesimal)
916.6

Actual Gold Content (Grams)
7.315

Actual Gold Content (Troy Ounces)
0.2354

George V - Gold Sovereign 1923 P. MS-61 Certified by NGC. Perth mint. .2354 oz AGW.