Dating from 1883, this Sovereign was issued in the same year that the Brooklyn Bridge was opened on 24 May, Queen Victoria’s birthday. 1883 proved to be a difficult year for Queen Victoria, who fell down some stairs at Windsor Castle, leaving her with physical difficulties for the rest of her life. She also had to cope with the death of her favourite confidant and servant John Brown. 

Stuck in 22 carat gold, it features Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait on the obverse, which was her favourite portrait for coinage. The queen liked the design so much that it was struck on coins for 47 years. Victoria's love of her Young Head portrait was so great it is reported to have taken many years and designers to find a portrait she liked enough to replace it.

The Young Head portrait was created by William Wyon RA, chief engraver at The Royal Mint. The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the dragon design.