British 5 Sovereign

The British 5 Sovereign Gold Coin is one of the largest and most impressive denominations in the historic sovereign series, representing the pinnacle of British gold coinage. First introduced in the early 19th century, these coins were primarily struck for presentation and special occasions rather than general circulation, making them highly desirable today. Each coin contains 36.6 grams of .916 fine gold (22-karat), equivalent to 1.177 troy ounces of pure gold. The obverse typically features the reigning monarch’s portrait, while the reverse displays Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic design of St. George slaying the dragon, a symbol of strength and victory that has become synonymous with British coinage. With its substantial size, elegant design, and historical significance, the 5 Sovereign coin stands as a centerpiece for collectors of classic British gold.

Key Features:

• Purity: Struck in 22-karat gold (.916 fine), each coin weighs 1.2841 troy oz., with 1.177 troy ounces of pure gold content. Copper alloy provides durability and a distinctive reddish hue.

• Design: The obverse features the effigy of the reigning monarch at the time of issue, such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, or Elizabeth II on modern commemoratives. The reverse displays Benedetto Pistrucci’s celebrated St. George and the dragon design, a hallmark of British numismatic artistry.

• Denomination: Original 5 Sovereign coins were issued primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable dates under Queen Victoria and Edward VII. Modern commemorative issues have been struck by the Royal Mint for collectors in limited quantities. Each coin carries a face value of £5, recognized as legal tender in the United Kingdom.

• Collectability: Historic 5 Sovereign coins are rare and command strong premiums, especially those from early Victorian issues or proof strikes. Among modern releases, limited-edition proofs are highly sought after for their craftsmanship and exclusivity.

The British 5 Sovereign Gold Coin combines impressive size, timeless design, and historical prestige. With over an ounce of gold and the iconic St. George motif, it remains one of the most celebrated pieces in British numismatic history.