Numismatic

1896-M Australia Gold Sovereign Victoria Veiled Head MS-62 NGC

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Struck during the twilight of the nineteenth century, this 1896 gold sovereign represents a fascinating chapter in global coinage. Minted in Australia at the Melbourne Mint, the coin is composed of 0.2354 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.9167. This issue belongs to the celebrated Sovereign series, carrying a face value of one sovereign and cataloged as KM #13. The obverse displays the left-facing, crowned bust of Queen Victoria, often referred to as the veiled head portrait. Surrounding her likeness is a traditional Latin inscription. This mature depiction of the long-reigning monarch captures the dignity of her later years on the British throne. On the reverse, the legendary scene of Saint George on horseback slaying a dragon unfolds. This dynamic design, created by Benedetto Pistrucci, is a hallmark of the sovereign series. Collectors can locate the specific Melbourne origin by identifying the small 'M' mint mark positioned on this side of the coin. Out of a total mintage of 4,456,000 pieces, this particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 62 (MS-62) condition.