1851 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield aVF reverse

Reverse aVF

Click to zoom

1851 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield aVF obverse

Obverse aVF

Click to zoom

In Stock

1851 Gold Full Sovereign Victoria London Mint

The 1851 gold sovereign is the fourth date for the Queen Victoria "second head" shield sovereign.

The 1851 gold sovereign is the fourth date for the Queen Victoria "second head" shield sovereign. This second type of Victoria sovereign was issued from 1848 to 1872, has a slightly larger head in lower relief, and the reverse legends are repositioned.

See the rest of the 1851 Sovereign Collection.

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.

Obverse

Designed by William Wyon, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, 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 inscription reads

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA

and the date (1851) appears below the portrait.

Reverse

The reverse of the 1851 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:

completing the monarch's legend, which begins on the obverse.

Key Information

Intrinsic Value	£534.97
Product ID	11241
Stock Status	In Stock

Product Spec

Metal	Gold
Diameter	22.05mm
Weight/Size	Full
Gold Weight Troy Ounces	0.2354
Fineness/Carat	0.917 / 22
Date	1851
Spink Reference	3852C
Obverse Designer	William Wyon
Reverse Designer	Benedetto Pistrucci
Issuing Monarch	Victoria (1837-1901)
Mint/Brand	The Royal Mint
Country	United Kingdom

Book an appointment

Book an appointment in London or Blackpool and let our precious metal experts assist you.

BOOK NOW

Delivery

Chards Coin and Bullion ships to all areas in the United Kingdom, including the Channel Islands.

Please be advised delivery timeframes are reflective of in-stock orders where payment and any necessary identification or onboarding documents have been received.

Delivery Option	Est. Delivery Time
Standard Delivery	2-3 working days
Special Delivery	Next day (1 working day)

Collections

All orders are free to collect at our showrooms in Blackpool and Hatton Garden, London. To arrange a collection, please call us at +44(0)1253 343081 or book an appointment.

International Delivery

The responsibility lies with the buyer to pay duties and taxes to the local customs office. This includes any fees levied for parcels that are marked as returned to sender.

For more information on delivery and collections visit our information page.

Invest with Confidence • Invest with Chards

60 Years Experience

After sixty prosperous years, you can be reassured that you are dealing with a business that is here to stay.

Family Business

We pride ourselves in providing a level of service that's tailored to you, with care, attention and the highest ethical standards that a corporate body cannot always match.

LBMA Full Member

The LBMA govern the London Bullion Market, the world's largest precious metals market. As full members with global partners, we commit to secure and ethical transactions.

Fully Insured

Our specialist insurance through Lloyd's of London covers against any potential risks associated with orders, deliveries and our vaulting service giving customers peace of mind.

UK Showrooms

Strategically positioned in London's Hatton Garden and Blackpool's South Shore, our offices offer personalised, face-to-face consultations in two locations.

Auditing & Accounts

In partnership with Azets, a top 10 UK auditor, we provide third-party verification of our financials and vaulted assets to deliver exemplary customer confidence.

Precious metal investments are not regulated in the UK.
Investment values can fluctuate and may decrease as well as increase. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Pricing:
Prices are based on the current precious metal price and may change.
Payment and ID:
You may need to provide identification to make a purchase. You can find more information on payment and identification requirements.
Bullion Coins:
These may have minor scratches or edge knocks, but this does not affect their value. Any coin sold for a value less than a 180% intrinsic is considered a bullion coin.
VAT:
Investment gold products are VAT-free, while silver products include VAT.
Cancellations & Returns:
Once you place an order, you cannot cancel it. We do not currently accept returns, however. You may be able to sell your investment products back to Chards at the current buy back rate.

For more details, please see our Terms & Conditions.

Customer Reviews

EXCELLENT

4.9/5 based on 5731 Reviews

1 day ago

Very Very impressed

First time I have used Chards, Excellent. It can be a nervous time investing in coins on line but I did my research and Chards didn't disappoint. Item arrived by Special delivery within 48 hours. I will definitely use again.

TREVOR CORNES

1 day ago

Always excellent service.

Always excellent service and very competitive prices against the larger bullion deals.

Grahame Mason

1 day ago

Again 5*

Again 5*. This is boring. I would like to give 4* or 3* or 1* but there is no reason, so again 5*. Thank you.

Tomasz Wiltos

1 day ago

Good at checking who is buying …

I made my purchase on my sons account but with my card they were quick to spot this and immediately asked for clarification so no fraud could take place

Karen_Bristow

1 day ago

I was very impressed

I was very impressed Thank you

Giampietro Pini

1 day ago

Fast. And secure

Clear delivery process, fast transit time and product as described.

Mr Douglas Goss

2 days ago

Best dealer for new investor/collector.

Great website. Great communication. Useful updates by email. Buying made easy. Trustworthy deliveries by Royal Mail. Competitive pricing. Best coin and bullion dealer for small investor/collector.

Mike Young

2 days ago

Excellent as ever check out their pre…

Excellent as ever check out their pre owned silver to save on VAT . QUICK RAPID DELIVERY

Ivan

2 days ago

Just received my first 2025 sovereign

Just received my first 2025 sovereign. Great service as usual from the team at Chard's. Wouldn't shop anywhere else for gold.

Glenn Warwick

2 days ago

Very happy with the product

Very happy with the product, fast shipping