Sovereign gold coin
The British Sovereign: 22-carat gold with Pistrucci's St George and the dragon.
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Specifications
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.98 g |
| Purity | 916.7 ‰ (22 carats) |
| Fine gold | 7.32 g |
The Sovereign is the best-known British gold coin. Its reverse shows St George slaying the dragon, the design engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci in the early 19th century, and the obverse carries the monarch of the day.
What it contains
7.98 g of 22-carat gold, which gives 7.32 g of fine gold. The rest is mostly copper, which makes the coin harder wearing than pure gold.
Why it is so widely traded
Sovereigns have been struck in very large numbers, under many reigns, in London and in several mints of the former Empire. They are recognised everywhere, and their price follows the gold market closely.
Good to know
Older Sovereigns can be worth more than their gold if they are rare dates or in exceptional condition. For ordinary dates, the price is the gold content plus a premium.
