Bullion

1901-M Australia Gold Sovereign Veil Head Victoria AU

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Struck during a transitional year in British imperial history, this 1901 gold Sovereign represents the final era of Queen Victoria's long reign. Minted in Australia at the Melbourne branch mint, the coin contains 0.2354 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.9167. These pieces served as vital currency across the global British Empire, combining local colonial production with classic imperial design. The obverse features the mature, veiled bust of Queen Victoria, a portrait often referred to as the Veil Head or Old Head design. Surrounding her likeness are the abbreviated Latin inscriptions denoting her titles as Queen of the Britains and Empress of India. This dignified depiction captures the monarch in the final years of her rule, which concluded in 1901. On the reverse, the coin displays the legendary motif of Saint George on horseback, frozen in the moment of slaying a dragon. This highly detailed scene was created by the renowned Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. Positioned beneath the classic design is the tiny 'M' mint mark, identifying the Melbourne Mint as the origin of this historic gold issue.