Sovereign (Shield), Coin Type from United Kingdom - detailed information

Sovereign (Shield), Coin Type from United Kingdom (issued 1837 - 1887)
Coin TypeSovereign (Shield)

Starting in 1863, die numbers were introduced on the reverse of sovereigns (small numbers under the wreath). This was done to assist with production and quality control, and the practice continued on most London Mint sovereigns. About 100,000 coins were struck with a die before it was changed.

A specific die number does not increase the collector's value of a coin.

Composition: 0.9167 gold, 0.0833 copper.

Obverse

Effigy of the monarch, legend.
Obverse Inscription VICTORIA DEI GRATIA [year]
Reverse

The initial reverse type for gold coins was the shield and crown motif, supplemented on the sovereign with a heraldic wreath.
Reverse Inscription BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID : DEF :
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

References to additional information:

[Book] Mullett, William J. 1991. Gold Coinage and Refining at the Melbourne Mint.

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Coin Type: Sovereign (Shield) - (48) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
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Sovereign (Shield): Details
CountryUnited Kingdom
CurrencyPound Sterling (pre-decimal)
Sub-type ofSovereign (Pre-Decimal)
From1837
To1887
Face Value1 (x Pound)
CurrentNo (demonetised 1971)
Material0.9167 Gold
DesignerJean Baptiste Merlen
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
Size22.0500 mm
Thickness1.5200 mm
Mass7.9881 g
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Sovereign (Shield): Photos
ImageDetails
Sovereign (Shield): Photo Coin - Sovereign, Queen Victoria, Great Britain, 1843 Coin - Sovereign, Queen Victoria, Great Britain, 1843
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: Crowned shield (1838 - 1887).
Source
Sovereign (Shield): Photo Coin - Sovereign, Queen Victoria, Great Britain, 1852 Coin - Sovereign, Queen Victoria, Great Britain, 1852
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: Queen Victoria, "Young Head" portrait (1838 - 1887).
Source