Numismatic

1900-M Australia Gold Sovereign Victoria Veil Head MS-61 NGC

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In the final year of the nineteenth century, the Melbourne Mint in Australia produced a magnificent gold coin containing 0.2354 ounces of pure gold. This sovereign, graded Mint State 61 (MS-61), belongs to a total mintage of 4,305,000 pieces struck during that year, representing a fascinating moment in late Victorian era coinage. The obverse of the coin displays a dignified, left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a veil, a design reflecting the later years of her long reign. The surrounding Latin inscriptions, partially visible as VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP, translate to her titles as Queen by the Grace of God and Empress of India. On the reverse, the legendary scene of Saint George on horseback slaying a dragon comes to life. Created by the artist Benedetto Pistrucci, this classic design is accompanied by a small 'M' mint mark positioned beneath the horse, signifying its production at the Melbourne branch mint. This combination of royal portraiture and timeless mythology makes the coin a captivating object of study.