Homepage / Bullion Coins: U.K. Coins / U.K. Gold Sovereigns
ExpressGoldCash - 4.9 star - Customer Reviews
Last Updated on 04/10/2025
Great Britain (UK)
Gold Sovereigns
The size of a Full Gold SovereignThe Full Gold Sovereign bullion coin was first minted in 1489 and contains .2354 troy oz. of gold, making it roughly the same size as a U.S. nickel.
Today, the British Gold Sovereign is available in five sizes: the Five (Quintuple) Sovereign (1820), the Double Sovereign (1820), the Full Sovereign (1489), the Half Sovereign (1817), and the Quarter Sovereign (2009).
(photo (below) provide courtesy of The Royal Mint)
British Gold Sovereigns are the oldest gold coins still in production and one of the most popular gold coins in the world.
One little-known fact that some UK residents are unaware of is that bullion coins from The Royal Mint are Tax-exempt from Capital Gains due to the coins' status as legal British currency, giving UK residents who purchase these coins added profit when they decide to sell.
The History of the Gold Sovereign
On October 28, 1489, King Henry VII ordered the officers of the Royal Mint to create "A new money of gold," the result of his order was the first gold Sovereign.
The name "English Gold Sovereigns" originated from the monarchy's depiction on the coin's obverse side.
The earliest gold sovereigns were minted of 23-karat gold; nevertheless, in 1526, the fineness of the currency was decreased to 22-karat gold, which became known as Crown Gold.
Crown Gold is a gold and copper alloy that is considerably less prone to wear than the softer 23-karat gold of earlier gold sovereigns.
The Royal Mint struck Gold Sovereigns from 1489 until 1603, when James
I, crowned King of England and Scotland, chose not to have his likeness
on the obverse side of the Sovereign.
Over the next two hundred years, the Gold Sovereign was gradually replaced by other gold coins of the British Empire.
After the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the British government reintroduced the Gold Sovereign with The Great Recoinage Law of 1816; minting of the Gold Sovereign restarted in 1817 and continues to this day. (photo provided courtesy of the Royal Mint)
The 1816 Great Recoinage Law set the Sovereign's gold content at 7.32 grams (113 grains / 0.2354 troy oz) with a total weight of 7.99 grams.
Since 1817, the Gold Sovereign has been minted in these British Commonwealths: Australia (1855-1931), India (1918), Canada (1908-1919), and South Africa (1923-1932).
At the height of the British Empire, the Gold Sovereign was the most widely circulated currency.
Below, you will find the mintage figures of the Full, Half and Quarter gold sovereigns, dating back to 1957.
Design of the
Gold Sovereign
The 2024 Gold Sovereign is made from rose gold.
Obverse
The British Royal Family has had the custom of changing the way a monarch faces on coins since the 17th century. From 1952 through 2022, Queen Elizabeth II faced the right, and now the King of England, Charles III, faces the left.
Martin Jennings, the designer of King Charles III's portrait, stated the following about the effigy: "It is a privilege to sculpt the first official effigy of His Majesty and to receive his personal approval for the design."
The obverse side of all the United Kingdom's 2024 coins features the effigy of King Charles III.
Inscriptions:
- CHARLES III
- · DEI ∙ GRA ∙ REX (stands for "Dei Gratia Rex," a Latin title meaning "By the Grace of God, King")
- · FID ∙ DEF · (stands for "Fidei Defensor," a Latin title that translates into "Defender of the Faith") The Latin phrases have been used on British coinage since the 16th century.
- MJ - Martin Jenning's initials under the King's neck. (click image to enlarge)
Read more about the Royal Mint's unveiling of the King Charles III's effigy here.
The Government of the United Kingdom has guaranteed the bullion coins as legal tender and is Tax-Exempt from Capital Gains for the residents of the United Kingdom.
Coin Photos provided courtesy of the Royal Mint
Reverse
The reverse side of the British Sovereign coin depicts St. George slaying the dragon, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci.
Pistrucci's design features Saint George on horseback. His left hand clutches the rein of his horse's bridle; he is not wearing armor other than on his lower leg and the helmet on his head.
Flowing behind St. George is his cloak; his right shoulder bears a balteus for suspending the sword that he clutches in his right hand.
He is otherwise naked, while the saint's horse is over the dragon. The dragon lies wounded by St. George's sword and is dying.
Inscriptions:
- B.P. (Benedetto Pistrucci's initials)
- Year of Issue
The coin's edge is reeded.
Coin Photos provided courtesy of the Royal Mint
4.7 star - Customer Reviews
Five (Quintuple) Gold Sovereign
Coin Information
First Introduced:........................1820
IRA Approved:............................No
Grade:........................................Uncirculated
Face Value:................................Five Pound Sterling
Gold Content:.............................1.17 troy oz.
Total Weight:..............................39.94 grams
Purity:........................................91.667% / 916.67 per mille
Karat:........................................22 karat
Diameter:...................................28.40mm
Thickness:..................................2.00mm
Designers Obverse:.....................Ian Rank Broadley FRBS (1998-2014)
Designers Obverse:.....................Jody Clark (2015 - 2022)
Designers Obverse:.....................Martin Jennings (2022 - Present)
Designers Reverse:.....................Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse 1817 to present)
Mint Mark:..................................No
Edge:.........................................Reeded
Double Gold Sovereign
Coin Information
First Introduced:........................1820
IRA Approved:............................No
Grade:........................................Uncirculated
Face Value:................................Two Pound Sterling
Gold Content:.............................0.47 troy oz.
Total Weight:..............................15.976 grams
Purity:........................................91.667% / 916.67 per mille
Karat:........................................22 karat
Diameter:...................................28.40mm
Thickness:..................................2.00mm
Designers Obverse:.....................Ian Rank Broadley FRBS (1998-2014)
Designers Obverse:.....................Jody Clark (2015 - 2022)
Designers Obverse:.....................Martin Jennings (2022 - Present)
Designers Reverse:.....................Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse 1817 to present)
Mint Mark:..................................No
Edge:.........................................Reeded
Full Gold Sovereign
Coin Information
First Introduced:.........................1489
Date Issued in Current Format:....1817
IRA Approved:.............................No
Grade:........................................Uncirculated
Face Value:................................One Pound Sterling
Gold Content:.............................7.32 grams / 0.235 troy oz.
Total Weight:..............................7.987 grams
Purity:........................................91.667% / 916.67 per mille
Karat:.........................................22 karat
Diameter:...................................22.05mm
Thickness:..................................1.52mm
Designers Obverse:.....................Ian Rank Broadley FRBS (1998-2014)
Designers Obverse:.....................Jody Clark (2015 - 2022)
Designers Obverse:.....................Martin Jennings (2022 - Present)
Designers Reverse:.....................Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse 1817 to present)
Mint Mark:..................................No
Edge:.........................................Reeded
Half Gold Sovereign
Coin Information
Introduction:..............................1544
IRA Approved:.............................No
Grade:........................................Uncirculated
Face Value:................................£0.50
Metal Content:............................0.1177 Troy oz.
Total Weight:..............................3.99 grams
Purity:........................................91.667% / 916.67 per mille
Diameter:...................................19.30mm
Thickness:..................................0.99mm
Designers Obverse:.....................Ian Rank Broadley FRBS (1998-2014)
Designers Obverse:.....................Jody Clark (2015 - 2022)
Designers Obverse:.....................Martin Jennings (2022 - Present)
Designers Reverse:.....................Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse 1817 to present)
Mint Mark:..................................No
Edge:.........................................Reeded
Quarter Gold Sovereign
Coin Information
Introduction:.............................2009
IRA Approved:...........................No
Grade:......................................Uncirculated
Face Value:...............................£0.25
Total Weight:............................1.99 grams
Metal Content:..........................0.059 Troy oz.
Purity:......................................91.667% / 916.67 per mille
Karat:......................................22 karat
Diameter:................................13.50mm
Designers Obverse:..................Ian Rank Broadley FRBS (2009-2014)
Designers Obverse:..................Jody Clark (2015 - 2022)
Designers Obverse:..................Martin Jennings (2022 - Present)
Designers Reverse:..................Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse 1817 to present)
Mint Mark:...............................No
Edge:......................................Reeded
Buy
Gold Sovereigns
from the Reputable Bullion Dealers below.
|
The Links below will take you directly to the page described. |
|
Note:
The 2025 Sovereigns, available to purchase later this year, will be the
last opportunity for collectors and investors to own a Sovereign made
from rose gold. From 2026, all Sovereigns struck by The Royal Mint will
be crafted from yellow gold, returning to its 500-year-old roots.
|
America's Superstore offering Precious Metal Coins and Bars from Reputable Bullion Dealers
Sovereign Coin page
Shipping prices
vary by item
Notice
- This site receives a commission when you purchase from the merchants above.
- No Personal Information is Obtained by this guide when you visit or order from any of the merchants above.
- See this guide's Affiliate Disclosure page for more information: here)
Gold Sovereign Bullion Coin
Mintage Figures
Year.......Sovereign........Half Sovereign.......Quarter-Sovereign
1957.......2,072,000
1958.......8,700,140
1959.......1,358,228
1960.......unknown
1961.......unknown
1962.......3,000,000
1963.......7,400,000
1964.......3,000,000
1965.......3,800,000
1966.......7,050,000
1967.......5,000,000
1968.......4,203,000
1969.......Not Minted
1970.......Not Minted
1971.......Not Minted
1972....... Not Minted
1973....... Not Minted
1974.......5,002,566
1975.......1 (One Sovereign coin was struck in 1975 as the final coin from Tower Hill in London before the facility closed.)
1976.......4,045,056
1976.......Not Minted
1978.......6,555,000
1979.......9,100,000
1980.......5,100,000
1981.......5,000,000
1982.......2,950,000............2,500,000
From 1983 and 1999, all Sovereign coins were minted in proof form, no bullion coins were minted.
2000.......129,069...............146,822
2001.......49,462.................94,763
2002.......75,264.................61,347
2003.......43,230.................47,818
2004.......30,688.................34,924
2005.......45,542.................30,299
2006.......33,012.................75,000
2007.......27,628.................75,000
2008.......58,894.................75,000
2009.......60,292................50,000..................50,000
2010.......243,158..............16,485..................8,985
2011.......253,773..............50,000..................50,000
2012.......432,925..............250,000................250,000
2013.......261,581.............250,000.................10,000
2014.......261,216...............9,900.................. NA
2015.......113,177..............5,000................... NA
2016.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2017.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2018.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2019.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2020.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2021.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2022.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
2023.......NA.....................NA....................... NA
• NA - Not Available
• For earlier Full & Half Gold Sovereign mintage figures visit: SVCollector.com & BullionbyPost.com
ExpressGoldCash - 4.9 star - Customer Reviews
Gold Sovereign - Sources:
The Royal Mint
The Chard "Sovereigns" page
Wikipedia.org - Sovereigns page
Coins of Europe Catalog 1901-2013/2015
Free Shipping on Orders $199+ | 5.0 star Customer Reviews
Other pages, on this Guide, that you
may like...
  |
 |
Gold Sovereigns
OR
For Bullion Market News...
Notice:
The charts, commentary, and information on the Free-Bullion-Investment-Guide.com are not meant to encourage you to invest or divest in any particular way.
|
Support this Guide & Paypal Thank You for Your Support |
|
|
 | |||||
Recent Articles
-
Newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide - December 2025
Dec 07, 25 02:24 PM
The December 2025 newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide provides the latest updates, fundamental and technical gold and silver market analysis, the best articles from last month, and a list… -
Newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide - November 2025
Nov 08, 25 01:52 PM
The November 2025 newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide provides the latest updates, fundamental and technical gold and silver market analysis, the best articles from last month, and a list… -
Premium Bullion - 1 oz Silver Majestic Polar Bear Coin
May 18, 25 04:17 PM
The Premium Bullion - 1oz Silver Majestic Polar Bear coins are specially made for collectors and investors alike; they are made of 99.99% pure silver and have a limited mintage; it is in an assay card… -
Latest Update (3/14/25) from the Free Bullion Investment Guide
Mar 14, 25 11:23 PM
Free Bullion Investment Guide's Latest Updates: Mexican Gold and Silver Libertad - 2024 Mintage Figures & more... -
Newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide - February 2025
Feb 12, 25 03:58 PM
The February 2025 newsletter of the Free Bullion Investment Guide provides the latest updates, fundamental and technical gold and silver market analysis, the best articles from last month, and a list…
18W LED Security Light (Dusk to Dawn & Motion Sensor) - $32.99
from:
LED Lighting
This website is best viewed on a desktop computer.
Keep this Guide Online
& Paypal
Thank You for
Your Support
with Feedly
Search the Guide
| search engine by freefind | advanced |
Premium Canadian Bullion
Give a lasting gift of the iconic Silver Maple Leaf bullion coin [More]
Free Shipping on Orders over $100 (CDN/USA)
or
From the U.K. Royal Mint
Daily
Newsletter
Updated Mintages for
American Gold Buffalo
American Gold Eagle
American Silver Eagle
2024 & 2025
Jerusalem of Gold Bullion
Coin photos
(bottom of page)
Mintages
for
2024
Gold & Silver Mexican Libertad
|
Gold Libertads |
Chinese Gold Coin Group Co.
& Chinese Bullion
){kind=link}
%20-%20Gold%20Sovereign%20Bullion%20Coin%20-%20obverse%20side){kind=link}
%20-%20Gold%20Sovereign%20Bullion%20Coin%20-%20reverse%20side){kind=link}
Help Us Expand our Audience by forwarding our link
www.free-bullion-investment-guide.com.
Thank You!
Last Month's
In No Particular Order
November 2025
All Articles were Originally Posted on the Homepage
4.9 Customer Reviews
