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If you're looking to invest in or collect sovereign coins from the UK, you're in for a treat. Sovereign coins have been a staple of British currency since 1489, with the first gold sovereign minted during the reign of King Henry VII.
The benefits of investing in sovereign coins are numerous, with one of the most significant being their rarity. Only a limited number of sovereign coins are minted each year, making them a valuable commodity for collectors and investors alike.
One of the most significant benefits of collecting sovereign coins is their potential for long-term appreciation in value. As the demand for these coins increases, so does their value, making them a smart investment for those looking to grow their wealth over time.
Investing in sovereign coins can also provide a hedge against inflation, as their value tends to increase in line with the rise in prices. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to protect their wealth from the effects of inflation.
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Buying and Selling
Buying and selling sovereign coins in the UK is a straightforward process. You can buy them online for delivery or storage, or place an order over the phone.
The Gold Sovereign is a British gold coin that has been produced in its modern form since 1817, containing nearly one-quarter of an ounce of gold – 0.2354 oz. It's a liquid investment with most major dealers making a market in them.
Sovereigns are easy to store due to their smaller size and quarter-ounce divisibility, making them a popular choice for investors. You can pay for your Sovereigns by bank wire, credit card, or debit card.
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Buy
Buying a Gold Sovereign is a straightforward process that can be done online or over the phone.
You can buy Gold Sovereigns online for delivery or storage using the BUY button or by calling our office to place your order.
We sell Gold Sovereigns and other major bullion bar and coin products, and you can pay by bank wire, credit card, or debit card.
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Gold Sovereigns are a popular choice for delivery due to their smaller size and divisibility, making them a convenient option.
Insured delivery of Gold Sovereigns to homes or offices is also available, and many clients opt for this option.
Many of our U.S. clients store their Sovereigns in fully insured, offshore secure storage jurisdictions.
You can store your Sovereigns in secure non-bank vault partners in safer jurisdictions like Zurich, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore.
The British gold sovereigns have been produced in their modern form since 1817 and contain nearly one-quarter of an ounce of gold – 0.2354 oz.
Gold Sovereigns typically command premiums of between 5% and 7.5% with some dealers.
Sell Coins to Chards
If you're looking to sell your coins, consider Chards as a reputable option. They guarantee competitive rates to all sellers.
You can choose to sell your coins in person at their showroom, or use their postal service for a more convenient option. Chards also offers a distance buy-in service for those who prefer not to physically visit their location.
They'll take care of the process for you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
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Design and History
The modern gold sovereign was first struck in 1817 under George III, with a nominal value of one pound. It was a circulation coin in Britain until the middle of World War I and abroad until 1932.
Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon design has been featured on the reverse of the vast majority of British gold sovereigns over time. This iconic design has become synonymous with the sovereign coin.
The design of the sovereign coin has evolved over the centuries, but the core idea remains the same - to symbolize the power and success of the British monarchy.
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Background and Authorization
The design of the Eiffel Tower has a fascinating background and authorization story. The tower's construction was authorized by the French government in 1884, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon III's successor, President Jules Grévy.
The authorization was granted after a competition was held to design a monumental entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair, which would be held in Paris. Gustave Eiffel's engineering company submitted a design that stood out from the other entries.
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Gustave Eiffel's experience with building metal structures, such as the Maria Pia Bridge in Portugal, made his design a strong contender. His company's innovative approach to metalwork and engineering expertise caught the attention of the judges.
Eiffel's team worked tirelessly to refine their design, and their hard work paid off when their proposal was selected as the winner. The tower's design was chosen from among 107 other entries, each with its own unique features and ideas.
Design Origins
The design origins of the gold sovereign coin are fascinating. Benedetto Pistrucci, an Italian engraver, created the classic reverse design of St George slaying a dragon in 1817.
Pistrucci's design was first used on modern sovereigns in 1817. He was inspired by the Neoclassical style, which was all the rage in London at the time.
The Neoclassical style can be seen in the Elgin Marbles, which were exhibited from 1807 and probably influenced Pistrucci's work. Pistrucci's sovereign was unusual for a British coin of the 19th century in not having a heraldic design.
The original 1817 design had the saintly knight still carrying part of his broken spear, but this was changed to a sword in 1821 when the garter that originally surrounded the design was eliminated.
History of the
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The first British gold sovereign was issued in 1489 for Henry VII, designed by German engraver Alexander of Bruchsal. It featured the King in his coronation robes, symbolising the power and success of the Tudor dynasty.
The modern gold sovereign, however, was first struck in 1817 under George III. It had a nominal value of one pound and was a circulation coin in Britain until the middle of World War I and abroad until 1932.
The sovereign was reintroduced in 1957 as an investment coin to meet demand for gold bullion. This marked a significant shift in its purpose, from a circulating currency to a collectible item.
Today, most British gold sovereigns showcase Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon design on the reverse. This iconic design has been paired with various monarchs over time, including the latest issue featuring King Charles III.
Bullion and Collectors Coin (1979-Present)
The British gold sovereign has been a beloved investment and collectible coin for centuries, with its design and history reflecting the country's rich heritage. The modern gold sovereign was first struck in 1817 under George III, with a nominal value of one pound.
This iconic coin has undergone many changes over the years, with Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon design becoming a staple on the reverse side. The coin's obverse has featured various monarchs, including King Charles III, who now graces the sovereigns.
The British Royal Mint is one of the leading mints in the world, producing coins that are known and trusted internationally. The gold sovereign contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold, making it a popular choice for investors.
In 1957, the sovereign was reintroduced as an investment coin to meet demand for gold bullion, and it has remained a popular choice ever since. Today, you can find a range of bullion sovereign coins, including classic designs and special one-off designs.
If you're looking to invest in gold sovereign coins, consider purchasing pre-owned coins with low premiums. These coins are often minted from 2000 onwards and can be a cost-effective way to invest in gold.
Here are some key facts to consider when purchasing bullion sovereign coins:
The gold sovereign is a portable, divisible, and internationally liquid form of financial insurance, making it a popular choice for investors.
What Are Sovereign Sizes?
The UK has a rich history of minting gold coins, and one of the most iconic is the sovereign. Did you know there are several different sizes of UK gold sovereigns? The largest is the quintuple sovereign, followed by the double sovereign, then the full sovereign.
The full sovereign is the most well-known size, but it's worth noting that it's not the only one. The half sovereign and quarter sovereign are also popular among collectors and investors.
Investing and Benefits
Gold Sovereigns are a low-cost way to diversify an investment portfolio or bullion holding with the vital insurance of physical gold ownership.
They contain exactly 0.2354 troy ounces of gold, nearly a quarter of an ounce, and are easy to value using the international real-time spot gold price.
One of the key benefits of Gold Sovereigns is their liquid nature, with most major dealers making a market in them, including GoldCore.
Gold Sovereigns are also portable and easy to store due to their smaller size, and their quarter ounce divisibility allows sellers to sell a portion of their holdings.
You can typically expect to pay a premium of between 5% and 7.5% with GoldCore, who offer some of the most competitive premiums for deliveries in the U.S. and secure international storage.
Here are some key benefits of Gold Sovereigns at a glance:
- Gold Sovereigns contain 0.2354 troy ounces (nearly ¼ oz) of gold
- Minted since 1817 - known and trusted internationally
- British Royal Mint is one of leading mints in the world
- Legal tender coin backed by the UK Treasury
- Sales tax-free in the U.S.
- Competitive pricing and premiums
- Portable, divisible, internationally liquid form of financial insurance
Shop and Prices
You can shop for bullion sovereign coins with classic reverse designs or special one-off designs to commemorate occasions such as British monarch jubilees.
We offer pre-owned best value sovereign coins that are selected as 'Our Choice' from a range of dates and monarchs, making them a cost-effective option for investors.
If you're looking for gold sovereign coins with low premiums, you can consider our Gold Minty Sovereigns, which are typically minted from the year 2000 onwards.
You may receive the same monarch/date with our pre-owned best value sovereign coins, depending on availability.
Our Gold Minty Sovereigns are also selected as 'our choice' from various dates, and you may receive the same date depending on availability.
Sovereign Coin Details
Gold Sovereigns contain 0.2354 troy ounces of gold, nearly a quarter ounce, making them a significant investment in gold.
The British Royal Mint, one of the leading mints in the world, has been minting Gold Sovereigns since 1817, establishing their reputation and trust internationally.
A British Sovereign Coin is a legal tender coin backed by the UK Treasury, providing a secure investment option.
You can take advantage of competitive pricing and premiums when purchasing Gold Sovereigns.
The portability and divisibility of Gold Sovereigns make them an ideal form of financial insurance, easily divisible into smaller units if needed.
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Royal Mint and Partners
The Royal Mint and its partners have been responsible for producing sovereign coins in the UK for centuries. They work together to ensure the highest quality and authenticity of these coins.
The Royal Mint has a long history dating back to 886, and it has been the official mint of the UK since 1279. They have a team of skilled craftsmen who carefully design and produce each coin.
The Royal Mint partners with other companies to produce sovereign coins, such as the Pobjoy Mint, which is a leading manufacturer of coins and medals. These partnerships help to increase production and make the coins more widely available.
The Royal Mint's attention to detail is evident in every sovereign coin, from the intricate designs to the precise metal content. Each coin is carefully crafted to ensure its quality and authenticity.
The Royal Mint has a rigorous quality control process to ensure that each coin meets their high standards. This includes checking the coin's weight, diameter, and metal content to ensure it meets the specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gold Sovereigns legal tender in the UK?
Yes, gold Sovereigns are legal tender in the UK, with a face value of one pound sterling, although this value is not printed on the coin. Despite this, their value is widely recognized and accepted in the UK.
What is the British Sovereign currency?
The British Sovereign is a gold coin with a nominal value of one pound sterling, introduced as the country's first coin to be valued at this amount. It had no face value mark, making it a bullion coin.
Sources
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/gold-sovereign-coins/s
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_(British_coin)
- https://www.goldcore.com/our-products/gold-coins/buy-british-gold-sovereign-coins
- https://www.chards.co.uk/category/buy-coins/a/gold/sovereign/
- https://hattonsoflondon.co.uk/product-category/popular-themes/by-theme/the-12-greatest-sovereigns/
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