Great Britain Gold George V Sovereign Coins (Random) Avg Circ

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The British Sovereign is a cornerstone of global coinage, representing a tradition that traces its origins back to the Great Recoinage of 1816. Introduced to replace the gold guinea, this coin was valued at twenty shillings. The series commenced production in 1817, struck by the Royal Mint alongside various other commonwealth minting facilities. This gold coin contains 0.2354 troy ounces of actual gold weight, struck in a purity of 0.9167. The obverse features the portrait of King George V. In keeping with a long-standing monetary tradition, the direction the monarch faces alternates with each successive reign. The legible obverse inscriptions include the Latin letters GEORGIVS, signifying the king's name. On the reverse, the coin displays the dramatic image of Saint George on horseback, defeating a dragon. This iconic masterwork was created by the artist Benedetto Pistrucci, who received the commission from William Wellesley Pole. The design remains one of the most recognized and celebrated illustrations in the history of numismatics.