The sovereign is a gold coin of the United Kingdom, with a nominal value of one pound sterling. Struck from 1817 until the present time, it was originally a circulating coin (see pre-decimal Sovereign) accepted in Britain and elsewhere in the world; it is now a bullion coin not intended for circulation, the intrinsic value of which is much higher than its face value. There are several denominations of the Sovereign: Five Sovereigns (Quintuple Sovereign, five pounds gold), Double Sovereign, Full Sovereign, Half Sovereign and Quarter Sovereign; the current double sovereign - with face value of £2 is a continuation of the pre-decimal double sovereign, and has been issued as a decimal coin since 1980.
Apart from the sovereigns of the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands has also authorised some mints to issue sovereigns under its jurisdiction. These have the same specifications as the original, but are denominated in Falkland Islands Pounds - the local variation of the Pound Sterling. However, following long-standing tradition, this type of coin has never had its value and denomination spelled out anywhere on the coin.
This coin is part of the first Falkland Islands Sovereign Collection, and features a new rendition of the iconic St. George and the Dragon design.
The mint says about it: The legend of St George slaying the dragon has appeared on Sovereigns since 1816, gracing gold and more recent silver Sovereigns from many Commonwealth Nations and becoming one of the world’s most prominent and sought after annual gold coins.
Now for the very first time, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the very first Falkland Islands Gold Sovereign range. Struck to a Double Sovereign specification over 200 years old, this 2025 Double Sovereign Gold Proof coin is handcrafted to a pristine proof finish and features the legendary St George defeating the dragon and surrounded by the Most Noble Order of the Grater featuring the Latin inscription, Honi Soit Que Mal Y Pense, translated as "Shame on him who thinks evil of it".
A first for the Falkland Islands, this new Annual Sovereign collection is expected to sell out in record time. It features both an obverse and reverse design by acclaimed engraver Glyn Davis. |