Numismatic

1887-S Australia Gold Sovereign Young Victoria MS-61 NGC

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This gold sovereign, struck in 1887 at the Sydney Mint in Australia, offers a fascinating glimpse into nineteenth-century coinage. Minted under the authority of the United Kingdom, the coin is composed of 0.9167 fine gold, containing 0.2354 troy ounces of the precious metal. It has survived the decades in remarkable condition, graded as Mint State 61 (MS-61). The obverse of the coin displays a youthful, left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria. Surrounding her likeness is a traditional Latin inscription, capturing her royal title. This youthful depiction of the queen was a staple of British and colonial coinage, representing her early reign. On the reverse, the coin features the highly detailed and dynamic scene of Saint George on horseback, engaged in combat with a dragon. This legendary design was created by the artist Benedetto Pistrucci. A small 'S' mint mark identifies the piece as a product of the historic Sydney Mint, adding a distinct geographic connection to this classic sovereign.