2027 Sovereign Commemorative Coins

The Royal Mint Official Partner

Chards is an official partner of The Royal Mint, with newly minted products directly sourced from their mint headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales.

What Is the History of the Gold Sovereign?

The English Sovereign was first issued as a gold hammered coin in 1489 for the King Henry VII. Designed by German engraver, Alexander of Bruchsal, the obverse featured the King in his coronation robes seated upon his throne, symbolising the power, success and splendour of the fledgling Tudor dynasty. 

Although the first British gold Sovereign was issued in 1489 for Henry VII, the modern gold Sovereign was first struck in 1817 under George III. Issued with a nominal value of one pound, it was a circulation coin in Britain until the middle of World War I and abroad until 1932. The Sovereign was reintroduced in 1957 as an investment coin to meet demand for gold bullion.

Today, the vast majority of British gold Sovereigns showcase Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the dragon design on the reverse, paired with various monarchs over time. Want to know more? Check out our detailed blog, The History of the Sovereign.

What Is Proof?

Proof coins are specially produced to a much higher standard of finish than bullion coins, with multiple strikes for a highly-detailed design. These coins are not graded by condition but are instead defined by their method of production. Originally created as pre-production samples, proof coins now serve a prominent role in the collector's market.

Read more in our blog, What is Proof? An Overview of Coin Finishes.