| Coin | 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 current sovereign - with face value of £1 is a continuation of the pre-decimal 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 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 Sovereign Gold Proof coin features the classic rendition of St George and the Dragon, and by special permission - the first portrait of the Queen, not used on Sovereigns for over 50 years.
The coin is part of a collection of Sovereign denominations depicting three of her most iconic effigies. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right - her effigy known as the "First Portrait". The laurel wreath in the Queen's hair is tied with a ribbon with two ends flowing behind.
The designer's initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the shoulder truncation, and can be seen when the coin is viewed at an angle.
The monarch's legend runs continuously all around the bust: 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 FDC.
Packaging: in presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity (750 coins), or in sets (500 coins).
East India Company SKU: FG21SOVGP1SV
Issue price: £695.00 |
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| See also |
Saint Helena coins depicting Saint George and the Dragon:
- Half Gold Sovereign, Saint George and the Dragon, 2019
- Five Gold Sovereigns, Saint George and the Dragon (Veronica Mackinnon, Nick Martin), 2020
- Gold Sovereign, Saint George and the Dragon, 2021
- Half Gold Sovereign, Saint George and the Dragon, 2021
- Quarter Gold Sovereign, Saint George and the Dragon, 2021
- Double Gold Sovereign, Saint George and the Dragon (William Wyon), 2023
- 1 oz Gold, Saint George and the Dragon (William Wyon), 2023
- 1 kg Silver, Saint George and the Dragon (William Wyon), 2023
- 1 oz Silver, Saint George and the Dragon (William Wyon), 2023
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