Great Britain Gold King Sovereign Coins (Random) Avg Circ

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The British Sovereign represents a landmark in monetary design, first appearing in 1817 as a key component of the Great Recoinage of 1816. Introduced to take the place of the gold guinea, this coin was valued at twenty shillings. Each piece contains 0.2354 troy ounces of pure gold, minted with a purity of 0.9167. On the obverse, the coin displays the profile of the reigning king. British numismatic tradition dictates that the direction the monarch faces must alternate with each successive reign. The reverse features the dynamic image of Saint George on horseback slaying a dragon, a masterpiece created by Benedetto Pistrucci. This iconic reverse design has remained a signature element of the Sovereign since its very first minting. Pistrucci was originally commissioned to create this artwork by William Wellesley Pole. Over the years, these sovereigns were struck at the Royal Mint as well as various other commonwealth mints, leaving a legacy of artistry and precise craftsmanship that continues to captivate observers today.