The British Sovereign, also known as the Sovereign coin, is a historic gold coin that has been minted by the Royal Mint since the reign of King Henry VII in 1489. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), the Sovereign coin continued to be produced, featuring her iconic portrait on the obverse side. These coins were struck in 22-karat gold and had a diameter of approximately 22.05 millimeters. The reverse design featured the classic image of St. George slaying the dragon, a design that has been used on the Sovereign since its inception. The coins minted during Elizabeth II's reign carried her portrait by various artists, including Mary Gillick, Arnold Machin, and Ian Rank-Broadley, reflecting the evolution of her image over her seven-decade reign. The British Sovereign remains a highly sought-after coin among collectors and investors due to its historical significance, consistent gold content, and enduring design.
