| Coin | Quarter Sovereign 2021 Saint George |
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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 quarter sovereign - with face value of 25 pence is the only sovereign denomination with no pre-decimal counterpart; it was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2009.
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 half 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.
Released to celebrate the 95th Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the 2021 Quarter Sovereign Gold Proof coin features the classic rendition of St George and the Dragon..
The coin is part of a collection of Sovereign denominations depicting three of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic effigies, and displays her current (fifth) definitive portrait by Jody Clark. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait" worldwide but "Sixth Portrait" in Australia, where the Queen's portrait by Vladimir Gottwald was fifth).
The Queen also wears the Coronation Necklace; originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858, it was also worn at the coronations (as Queen's Consort) of Queen Alexandra in 1902, Queen Mary in 1911 and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother) in 1937.
Unlike on British coinage, the effigy is "uncouped" (includes the Queen's shoulders). The artist's initials JC (for Jody Clark) are in tiny letters below left, above the Queen's shoulder.
Running continuously around the rim is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH II · DEI · GRA · REGINA · F · D · ST. HELENA ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, Saint Helena. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse depicts an illustration of the legend of St George as the slayer of the dragon, in a new interpretation.
St George is on horseback, advancing to left, wearing a helmet and chlamys (cape, or cloak), and holding a lance in his left hand with which he strikes the dragon. His right hand clutches the rein of the horse's bridle, and he does not wear armour, other than on his lower legs and feet. The saint's horse appears to be also attack the dragon, which is rearing its head high.
In the right 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.
Surrounding the image, a Garter circlet inscribed with the Order of the Garter's motto, HONI · SOIT · QUI · MAL · Y · PENSE · (from old French: Shame on he who thinks evil).
In the exergue, the date of issue 2021. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: proof.
Available in sets only. |
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