1848 Gold Full Sovereign Victoria London Mint Second Young Head Shield

The 1848 gold sovereign features the young head portrait of Queen Victoria as the obverse design, with the crowned shield alternative to the famed "St George and the Dragon" earning this particular varient of Queen Victoria gold sovereign the name of "Shield Back". 

The 1848 gold sovereign is the first date for the Queen Victoria "second head" shield sovereign. In 1848, there were two varieties of shield sovereigns. This is the second type, issued from 1848 to 1872, it has a slightly larger head in lower relief, and the reverse legends are repositioned. It is classified as S - Scarce by Marsh. The first type, issued from 1838 to 1848, has a smaller head in higher relief. See the "First Head" shield sovereign here. 

Trying to spot the differences in detail is quite difficult, but it is very easy to sort them "by sight". Once you get used to looking at the different variations, you should be able to recognise the second head instantly because of the change in the size of Queen Victoria's head.

Here we advertise for sale the 1848 larger head (Spink reference 3852C, Marsh 31). If you want to read more about the types and sub types of the 1848 sovereign please see the 'More Info' section. 

See the rest of the 1848 Sovereign Collection.

1848 Sovereigns

In 1848, there were two varieties of shield sovereigns. The first (rarer) type, issued from 1838 to 1848, has a smaller head in higher relief (Spink reference 3852, Marsh 31A classified as rarity R2- very rare). The second type, issued from 1848 to 1872, has a slightly larger head in lower relief, and the reverse legends are repositioned (Spink reference 3852C, Marsh 31 rarity S - scarce). Marsh also reports a sub type 1848/7 in the date rarity R - rare. We have also seen auction listing for a subtype with missing serif's in the I's on the reverse. 

Modern Sovereigns

Hammered gold coins called 'sovereigns' had been minted on and off between 1489-1604, whereupon James I (VI) changed the name of the 20/- gold piece to a 'Unite'. The reform coinage sovereign of 1817 onwards was issued as a normal circulation type coin, and also as a proof. 

Designed by William Wyon, Chief Engraver, the obverse features the second (large) young head portrait facing left of the young Queen at just 18 years old. This larger bust fills more of the area of the coin and shows Victoria's hair held by a double fillet and gathered into a loosely knotted bun. The initials W.W. are set in relief in the rear of the truncation, the date is under the bust.

The inscription reads:

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA

The date (1848) appears below the portrait. 

The reverse of the 1848 sovereign was designed by engraver, Jean Baptiste Merlen. It features the shield design, which is mounted by a crown. It also has a branch of laurel leaves on either side. The branches are tied, with a ribbon in a bow, below the shield.

Beneath this, the reverse displays the thistle, rose and shamrock (symbolising the unity of Scotland, England and Ireland) with a small flower stop on each side.

The inscription reads:

BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:

Which completes the monarch's legend, which begins on the obverse.