Sovereign

With a value of one pound sterling, the sovereign is a gold coin of the United Kingdom. The sovereign derives its name from the striking and majestic design and appearance on its surfaces. The gold sovereign was initially issued in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII, the King of England. The face of the earliest sovereign displayed the king majestically seated upon his throne. On the reverse of this coin, there was a Tudor double rose that encircled the Royal coat of arms on a shield. This first coin weighed as much as 240 grains or 15.6 grams.

The purity of the sovereign coin was decreased by Henry VIII from 23 carats to 22 carats. The sovereigns were substituted after 1604 with Unites, Laurels and Guineas. Their production resumed in 1817, and these new Sovereigns featured an engraving of St. George slaying a dragon on the reverse. British gold sovereigns continue to display this design, even though other designs have been used through the years. The Great Recoinage Law of 1816 fixed the gold content permanently at 113 grains. The new Sovereigns are made of Crown Gold, a gold alloy of 22 carats. The sovereign coin is much sought after as a collectible for its vintage value. Half Sovereigns are also easily available online.