Celebrate the enduring heritage of British coinage with the 1839 Victoria Gold Sovereign, a distinguished example from the early reign of one of Britain’s most iconic monarchs. This sovereign features the revered ‘Young Head’ portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by William Wyon, the Royal Mint’s master engraver. Capturing the youthful grace and poised dignity of the young queen, the effigy is surrounded by the Latin legend “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA,” a timeless tribute to her divine right and sovereignty.

Struck in 22-carat gold, this full sovereign weighs 7.98 grams and measures 22.05 millimetres in diameter, adhering to the exacting specifications instituted by King George III and maintained through the Victorian era. The reverse presents the crowned quartered shield of arms, encircled by a laurel wreath and flanked by the thistle, rose, and shamrock, emblems of Scotland, England, and Ireland, designed by Jean Baptiste Merlen. Inscribed with the legend “BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:,” the shield design conveys strength, unity, and royal authority.

The 1839 Victoria Gold Sovereign is notable for its relatively low mintage of just over 500,000 coins, making it rarer than many other early Victorian issues, and prized especially in higher grades. Its finish reflects the coin’s original intended use as circulating currency, yet its rich history, artistry, and symbolism continue to captivate collectors and historians alike.

Owning this sovereign means possessing a tangible link to a transformative period in British history, the beginning of the Victorian age, marked by unprecedented industrial, cultural, and imperial growth. The 1839 sovereign offers a glimpse into Victorian Royal Mint craftsmanship and exquisite design, making it a treasured addition for any discerning collector or enthusiast of British numismatics.