The gold sovereign saw its heyday during the Victorian period, and there’s no better monarch to focus on for a collection than Queen Victoria. This product is a selection of random year Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back coins, all chosen from the finest condition in our stock.

The image shown is for illustration purposes only.

Product Highlights

• Gold coin exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
• Unique Shield Back design from the Victorian period
• Mixed dates available, for a diverse collection

Design of the Shield Back Gold Sovereign

The obverse of the coin displays Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait, designed by engraver William Wyon. The initials “WW” are visible on the lower part of her neck, either incuse or in relief, depending on the year (1853-1855). The inscription around the portrait reads “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA,” meaning “Victoria by the grace of God.”

On the reverse, you’ll find the shield of Great Britain, topped by a crown. The die number or mint mark is located above the rose (below the shield) on the coin. The legend “BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID:DEF:” is displayed around the coin’s border.

There are three types of Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back:

1. Type 1: From the London Mint, with the die number located below the shield (above the rose) on the reverse. The initials “WW” are in relief on the neck.
2. Type 2: From the Sydney Mint, similar to Type 1 but with the “S” mint mark replacing the die number on the reverse. The initials “WW” are in relief on the neck.
3. Type 3: From the Sydney Mint, similar to Type 2, with the same mint mark and initials as Type 2.

Why Buy a Gold Sovereign Victoria (Young Head – Shield Back)?

• Capital Gains Tax: As a British gold coin, Victorian gold sovereigns are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Any profit from selling these coins is tax-free, making them an ideal choice for British investors.
• Scarcity: Most of the Gold Sovereigns with the Shield reverse have been melted down or worn out from circulation. Very few remain in good condition, adding to their collectible value.
• Collectible Value: Early Victorian gold sovereigns are highly sought after by collectors, and various types of the coin exist. Collectors can focus on die numbers or different portraits, with the challenge of gathering all variations or collecting the different head designs (smaller and larger Young Head).

History of the Victoria Shield Back Gold Sovereign

The Young Head portrait was introduced in 1838, depicting Victoria at just 18 years old when she became Queen. In 1817, the reverse design was changed to the Shield Back, replacing the St George and the Dragon design. The Shield Back design was used until 1874, after which Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George design was reintroduced.

Queen Victoria ruled for 63 years, overseeing Britain’s transformation into the world’s industrial leader. She was the monarch of the largest empire the world had ever seen, with coins bearing her portrait circulating across the globe.

Why Buy Gold Sovereigns?

• Gold Sovereigns are iconic: As one of The Royal Mint’s flagship products, alongside the Gold Britannia, they are highly desirable for both investors and collectors.
• Composition: Gold Sovereigns contain 7.99 grams of 22-carat gold, a gold-copper alloy that makes them durable and ideal for trading.
• Liquidity: Gold Sovereigns have high liquidity, allowing them to be easily sold to jewelers or bullion dealers worldwide.
• Premium: They generally carry a small premium over the gold spot price due to high demand from investors and collectors.
• Investment Value: Gold Sovereigns offer the intrinsic value of their gold content, with additional profit potential due to their aesthetic and historical appeal.