Sovereign Victoria Shield Gold Coin | 1881-1887
Sovereign Victoria gold coins were minted from 1838-1901. From 1838 until 1887 two different designs of Sovereign Victoria gold coins were issued. Both types show the same portrait of the Queen as a young monarch on the front side of the coin.
The coat of arms design on the reverse side was issued from 1838-1887. The second design shows the famous St. George and the dragon design. This design was issued from 1871-1887. We profile this version on a separate page.
Product Specifications
Gross Weight: 7.988 g
Fineness: 916.7/1000 Gold
Year of Issue: 1838-1887
Diameter: 22.05 mm
Coat of Arms Design (1838-1887)
The first design, which was issued from 1838-1887, shows the coat of arms (shield) as the main motif on the reverse side of the coin. The lettering around the outer edge reads “BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:”
The front side shows the portrait of Queen Victoria as a young monarch. Inscripted around the outer edge are the words “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA”. The date of issue is below the portrait of the Queen.
Because these coins were minted for almost 50 years the design may be slightly different depending on the year of issue. However, the front will always feature the “young head” portrait of Queen Victoria and the reverse will always display the shield (coat of arms).
Product Details
Manufacturer: Royal Mint
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Series Name: Sovereign Victoria “Coat of Arms” Gold Coin
Alloy: Gold/Copper
Scratch Resistance: Good
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Different Sovereign |
| Series | Sovereign |
| Purity | 917/1000 |
| Fineweight | 7.32 gram |
| Gross Weight | 7.988 gram |
| Year of issue | 1881-1998 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 1 Pound |
| Thickness | 1.52 mm |
| Diameter | 22.05 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |