An original Sovereign, struck over 60 years ago

The year 1957 saw many 'firsts' for Her Majesty The Queen. She made her first state visit to the United States of America and the Christmas Message was aired on television for the first time. This year also saw a first for The Queen's coinage as Sovereigns were struck again after a break of almost 20 years.

This coin was the first mass-produced, 22 carat gold Sovereign of Her Majesty's reign. It features the first coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick on the obverse and the famous St George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci on the reverse.