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 1974.
Apart from the sovereigns of the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha has also authorised some mints to issue double sovereigns under its jurisdiction. These are denominated in Saint Helena Pounds - the local variation of the Pound Sterling. Following long-standing tradition, this type of coin has never had its value and denomination spelled out anywhere on the coin.
This commemorative coin is part of a range marking the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II, and the so called VE Day - abbreviated from Victory in Europe.
On 8 May 1945, the German armed forces signed an unconditional surrender, bringing an end to nearly six years of war on the European front. This momentous occasion was celebrated by the Allied nations, including Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union, Canada, Australia, and many others who had fought together against the Axis powers.
VE Day was not just a time for national celebration - it was also a moment of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for the countless lives lost and the sacrifices made. The joy of victory was tempered by the memory of the war’s toll. Nonetheless, 8 May 1945 stands as a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and the triumph of peace over tyranny. To this day, VE Day remains a time to honour the bravery of those who served and to remember the resilience of the nations that stood together in the face of unimaginable adversity. |
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The obverse of the coin shows the bare (uncrowned) head of King Charles III facing left.
In tiny letters on the neck truncation, the artist's initials: GD (for Glyn Davies).
Around, the monarch's legend: CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · F · D · ST. HELENA · 2025 ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith, Saint Helena.
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse depicts at its centre the winged figure of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with her hands raised high in celebration. Behind her, a large letter V, for Victory.
On a ribbon behind her, VE DAY 1945 2025.
In the upper left field, the EIC mint mark of the East India Company - the letters are separated by arrows radiating from the centre around which they are situated. in the upper right field, the designer's initials EK, for Elles Kloosterman.
Around below near the rim, interrupted by the figure of Nike, the inscription VICTORY IN EUROPE 80TH ANNIVERSARY. |
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