PCGS Certification 206952.45/40909492.

Arguably one of the most exciting rarities in the Sovereign series the so-called narrow shield variety actually differs from the other regular currency sovereigns by virtue of its bushier laurel wreath and bunched emblems below the shield. The reverse die, used seemingly in error, had only been used before for an 1839 Pattern Sovereign of the highest rarity. It was perhaps used only briefly in the 1843 production run before being discarded as different, as not many Sovereigns are extant today with this unique reverse. One of the key rarities in the Victorian Sovereign series it has its own Spink catalogue number and is different to the other so-called narrow shield variety of 1838 which is 3852A.

This Sovereign dates from 1843. Stuck in 22 carat gold, it features Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait on the obverse, which was her favourite portrait for coinage. The Young Head portrait was created by William Wyon RA, chief engraver at The Royal Mint, and shows Victoria when she acceded to the throne at 18 years of age. The queen liked the design so much that it was struck on coins for 47 years.