Sovereign production was in full swing in 1874 with both the Shield and St George and the dragon reverse designs being struck in London and Melbourne while just the St George reverse being struck in Sydney.

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.