This Sovereign dates from 1879, the year in which the Anglo-Zulu war began in South Africa and most famously the Battle of Rorke's Drift. The British and colonial troops numbering just 150 successfully defended the mission station of Rorke's Drift from an attack by thousands of Zulu warriors. When they returned to Britain, 11 soldiers were awarded Victoria Crosses. This famous battle inspired the 1964 film Zulu starring Michael Caine.

Stuck in 22 carat gold, it features Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait by William Wyon RA 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. The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the dragon design.