Gold Sovereigns

1910 Perth Mint Gold Sovereign

22 Carat Gold
Although Edward VII acceded to the throne in 1901, he was not crowned until 1902, and the first coins issued for him were dated 1902, all 1901 dated coins continuing to bear Queen Victoria's head. As sovereigns remained in circulation as pound coins until the first world war, most Edward sovereigns are quite worn. Because 1902 was the first date of his reign, some people tended to store a few nice shiny new coins, although few could afford to save sovereigns.


Mintage
5,646,049

Many of the foundations of Australia’s monetary system, economy and society that are today taken for granted were laid during the Edwardian era. Most of our national government institutions were established at this time; the Banknote Act was passed; and Australia’s first currency coins were issued. The first battalion of Commonwealth troops entered active service in 1902; many major public buildings were erected; and a large number of regional towns & centres were established.
Only one portrait was used on the sovereigns of Edward VII, from 1902 to 1910 inclusive. The engraving of his hair is in fairly low relief, and tends to very quickly show signs of wear. Contact marks and wear that would be focused on a small surface area on another sovereign is spread over a wide portion of Edward’s portrait

When collectors examine a sovereign with the St George reverse, there are a certain number of points which are examined closely for strike & wear. From top to bottom, they are:
  • The crest of St George’s helmet;
  • St George’s chest, together with the strap & pin fastening his cloak;
  • The bridle as it crosses the horse’s neck;
  • The muscle separation in St George’s upper thigh;
  • The horse’s forequarters & rump;
  • The “bloodline” in the sword;
  • The upper band across St George’s boot;
  • The dragon’s torso below it’s neck;
  • As always, the rims and fields.

Specifications

Sources
Composition: 91.67% Gold
8.33% Copper
Gold Content: 0.2354 oz
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 7.9881 grams
Size: 21.5 mm
Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci
Obverse: George William De Saulles
Chard Gold Sovereigns Andrew Crellin of Sterling & Currency.

The Sovereign
Daniel Fearon & Brian Reeds
2001
Hilden Publications
17 Windmill Drive
Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Token Publishing
The Gold Sovereign
Golden Jubilee Edition
Michael A Marsh
2002
25A St Neots Rd
Hardwick
Cambrigeshire CB3 7QH
United Kingdom

Main