Semi-Numismatic

1893-1901 Great Britain Gold Half Sov. Victoria Veil Head BU

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This gold half sovereign represents the final chapter of Queen Victoria's long reign, minted between the years 1893 and 1901. Struck by the Royal Mint, the coin contains 0.1177 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.9167. This particular issue is preserved in brilliant uncirculated condition, offering a remarkably clear window into late nineteenth-century British coinage. The front of the coin displays the mature, veiled portrait of Queen Victoria facing left. Surrounding her likeness are the Latin inscriptions indicating her titles as Queen and Defender of the Faith. On the reverse, the coin features the highly detailed and dynamic scene of St. George on horseback slaying a dragon, a masterpiece created by the artist Benedetto Pistrucci. While this specific design dates to the turn of the twentieth century, the half sovereign itself has a deep history. The denomination was first struck in 1544 during the rule of King Henry VIII. After a long hiatus, it was reintroduced in 1817 and issued regularly until 1937, before being revived once more in 1980.