First introduced by Henry VIII in 1544, the British Gold Half Sovereign is one of the longest running gold coin series in history. Containing .1177 Troy Ounces of .913 Pure Gold, the Modern Half Sovereign is .99 mm thick, with a diameter of 19.3 mm.
Roughly the size of a nickel, each coin bears a depiction of the reigning monarch at the time it was minted–hence its name, the Sovereign.
The obverse of Gold Half Sovereigns issued from 1911 to 1936 feature a left-facing portrait of King George V. It is inscribed in Latin, which translates to mean: “George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.”
King George (b. 1865) was the grandson of beloved Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He reigned through the turbulent years of the First World War, until his death in 1936. George V was the cousin of his lookalike, the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, along with the German Emperor and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II.
The reverse of each Half Sovereign features Benedetto Pistrucci’s St. George–the legendary Christian military saint and martyr–as he slays the dragon. Pistrucci (b. 1783 – 1855) was Chief Medalist at the Royal Mint, and his initials appear just under the fiery dragon.
Suspended from 1604 to 1816 and replaced with Guineas and Unites, the Gold Half Sovereign was reintroduced with the Recoinage Act of 1816. Production resumed for another hundred years. Though mintage curtailed after Great Britain abandoned the gold standard during WWI, regular-issue Half Sovereigns were struck until 1926. After that time, only special issues were minted through 1980, and commemorative, proof and bullion Half Sovereigns are produced to this day.
Gold Half Sovereigns are available through Provident Metals and arrives in XF condition or better, dates of our choice. Designs may vary slightly from those pictured.
When the subtotal of your purchase, including applicable discounts, is $199 or more, you receive free shipping for your entire order. In order to receive free shipping on purchases of $199 or more, you must live within the 50 US states. For orders less than $199, a $9.95 shipping fee applies. All products are discreetly packaged and shipped with full insurance included.
Most Provident orders are shipped within one (1) business day of your payment clearing. Payments made via PayPal clear instantly. Bitcoin payments clear instantly once the transaction is confirmed. Credit Card and bank wire payments process within 1 business day. ACH and paper check payments take 3-5 business days. Once payments are processed, products are released to fulfillment for packaging and shipping.
All orders of $199 or more that are eligible for free shipping are, by default, shipped via a carrier of our choice (USPS or UPS). Depending on the contents and size of your purchase, you may be able to upgrade to a specific carrier during checkout.
For those orders of $999.99 or less, there is no need to sign for your package. However, you may select the option to require a signature at delivery if you want. This can be chosen and paid for at checkout. All orders of $1000 or more require a signature to complete delivery.
Provident is only able to ship to addresses in any of the 50 US states. This includes P.O. boxes and APO addresses.
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Tyler on 6/04/2015
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I was really looking forward to receive this coin because it was my first ever gold purchase. When I received it, I was happy to see that it was a 1899 Queen Victoria 1/2 sovereign, which I did not expect, in what appeared to be a high XF condition. I'm really pleased and would definitely buy another one if I had the money."
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Kerry R. on 6/01/2015
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Affordable and large enough to enjoy. Plus, Provident Metals is very easy to work with."
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Vincent on 5/15/2015
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I always loved the sovereign and 1/2 sovereign gold coins. When I was a child watching The Christmas Carol, and a gold sovereign was given as a gift to two young workers, it always fascinated me. The coins that I get depict British history and are classic design. Provident Metals issues strictly graded coins. I collect all types and it is a good source of Gold at near bullion price.."
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David on 1/26/2015
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An incredibly beautiful and rustic gold coin from the U.K. Very good size for a half sovereign. This will add a nice history to any coin collection."
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Alex on 10/12/2013
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I received a 1902 Edward VII coin, minted in London. It is in good condition. I am very pleased with my order."
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Metal Content | 0.1177 Troy Ounce |
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Diameter | 19.3 mm |
Year | Random |
Mint Mark | Not Shown |
Metals Purity | .9167 |
Producer | Royal Mint |
Thickness | 1 mm |
Condition | Varied |
Designer (Obverse) | Jody Clark |
Designer (Reverse) | Benedetto Pistrucci |
Edge Style | Reeded |
Product Series | Sovereign |
Certificate of Authenticity | No |
Packaging | Plastic Flip |
Shipping | Orders over $199 Ship Free |
Provident ID | 2553261 |