The 1860 gold half sovereign was the third half sovereign to be issued bearing the second (larger) young head portrait of the queen. The full sovereign had featured the second young head portrait of Queen Victoria since 1848. However, the half sovereign continued to be made with the first and smallest young head portrait of the queen until 1858.

See the rest of the 1860 Sovereign Collection.

The half sovereign was first introduced in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII. Half sovereigns continued to be produced until 1604. At this point they were discontinued (as were gold sovereigns). The first reform coinage sovereigns and half sovereigns were minted in 1817 following the Coinage Act of 1816.

Obverse

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 inscription reads

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA

and the date (1860) appears below the portrait.

Reverse

The reverse of the 1860 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	£390.73
Product ID	11605
Stock Status	Out of Stock

Product Spec

Metal	Gold
Diameter	19.3mm
Weight/Size	Half
Gold Weight Troy Ounces	0.1177
Fineness/Carat	0.917 / 22
Date	1860
Spink Reference	3859A
Obverse Designer	William Wyon
Reverse Designer	Jean Baptiste Merlen
Issuing Monarch	Victoria (1837-1901)
Mint/Brand	The Royal Mint
Country	United Kingdom

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