Technical Specification of a Gold Sovereign
Synopsis
The weight of modern gold sovereigns, established in 1817, was calculated based on the value of one troy pound of standard (22 carat) gold being £46 14s 6d. Consequently, sovereigns weighed 123.2745 grains (7.98805 grams). This standard has persisted to the present day, more than two centuries later. (See Source)
The technical specification for gold sovereign coins dated from 1817 is as follows:
Full Sovereign Specifications
| Diameter (Millimeters) | 22.05 |
| Weight (Grams) | 7.98805 |
| Alloy (Carats) | 22 |
| Fineness (millesimal) | 916.6 |
| Actual Gold Content (Grams) | 7.322 |
| Actual Gold Content (Troy Ounces) | 0.2354 |
Accurate Full Sovereign Technical Specifications
| 20lbs. troy of standard or crown gold (= bar) | 20 | lbs troy |
| 12 | troy ounces per pound | |
| 240 | troy ounces | |
| 480 | grains per troy ounce | |
| 115200 | grains | |
| 934.5 | sovereigns per bar | |
| 123.274478330658 | grains per sovereign | |
| One grain = | 64.79891 | milligrammes |
| One grain = | 0.06479891 | grams |
| Therefore sovereign weighs | 7.98805182664527 | grams |
| Fineness (22/24) | 0.916666666666667 | fine |
| Sovereign fine gold content | 7.32238084109149 | grams |
| Grams per troy ounce | 31.1034768 | Grams per troy ounce |
| Sovereign fine gold content | 0.23542001070091 | troy ounces |
The First Sovereign
Initially produced for Henry VII in 1489, the gold sovereign was an embodiment of the power, grandure and divine authority of the Tudor monarchy. Designed by German engraver, Alexander of Bruchasal, the obverse of the coin portayed the King adorning his coronation robes whilst upon his throne. At the time the sovereign weighed half a troy ounce (15.55 grams), comprised of 23 carat gold and held a face value of twenty shillings or one pound sterling.
The Modern Sovereign
As a consequence of the coin shortage faced by the British government following the Napoleonic Wars, the British Coinage Act of 1816 specified that the gold sovereign would once again be produced. However, unlike the 1489 gold sovereign, this modern itteration weighed under half of the original at 7.9881 grams, stamped into 22 carat gold, the same specifications used today. The first modern sovereign was produced by the Royal Mint in 1817, featuring the now iconic engraving of St George and the Dragon as envisioned by designer Benedetto Pistrucci, and the obverse revealing a portrait of ruler George III.
Many Faces Of The Sovereign
The reverse of the sovereign coin has bore many designs, from the classic 'shield sovereign', various incarnations of the 'Saint George' to the early 'broad' and 'unite', the gold sovereignn has remained a staple of british coinage, with may of these depictions being reimagined for annivsaries and landmark occassions.
Half Sovereign and Quarter Sovereign Technical Specifications
The full sovereign technical specifications are similiar to those of the half sovereign and the quarter sovereign as demonstrated below:
Half Sovereign Technical Specifications
| Diameter (Millimeters) | 19.30 |
| Weight (Grams) | 3.994 |
| Alloy (Carats) | 22 |
| Fineness (millesimal) | 916.6 |
| Actual Gold Content (Grams) | 3.661 |
| Actual Gold Content (Troy Ounces) | 0.1177 |
Quarter Sovereign Technical Specifications
| Diameter (Millimeters) | 13.50 |
| Weight (Grams) | 1.997 |
| Alloy (Carats) | 22 |
| Fineness (millesimal) | 916.6 |
| Actual Gold Content (Grams) | 1.8306 |
| Actual Gold Content (Troy Ounces) | 0.0588 |
Gallery
Given the popularity of the sovereign coin we tend to sell out of stock rather quickly. To receive a notification of when we have more gold sovereign in stock email notifications can be set up on each product page.
The sovereign coin has enjoyed a rich history with the varying designs and gold sovereign value making it an attractive addition to collections and investment portfolios alike. For those looking to enhance their existing selection we are proud to offer our expertise and advice for when you decide to buy gold sovereign.
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