The 1839 gold sovereign was the second of Queen Victoria's reign and shows the first portrait of Queen Victoria known as the 'young head' designed by William Wyon
Note - at the time of writing we currently have an1839 Full Sovereign in NGC grade XF-45 that is waiting upload to our website, if you are interested plese contact us. Quote product reference 16896
1839 is one of the most difficult dates of Victoria shield Sovereigns as the non-proof circulation version is scarcer than the proof version. We believe this coin is under-rated, certainly compared with the 1838 Sovereign.
All these early shields are now in strong demand, especially in top grades, and we are always interested in buying early shield sovereigns, indeed almost all sovereigns, in mint or near mint condition.
See the rest of the 1839 Sovereign Collection.
Photographs shown may not be the actual coin and may differ in terms of grade, die numbers, design flaws and other minor details.
Hammered gold coins called 'sovereigns' had been minted on and off between 1489-1604, whereupon James I (VI) changed the name of the 20/- gold piece to a 'Unite'. The reform coinage sovereign of 1817 onwards was issued as a normal circulation type coin, and also as a proof.
In common with all the other dates of "first head" shield sovereigns from 1838 to 1848, the portrait is not only slightly smaller, but also in a slightly higher relief. Trying to spot the differences in detail is quite difficult, but it is very easy to sort them "by sight", because once you get used to looking at the different variations, you should be able to recognise the first head instantly.
The obverse features the first and smallest young head portrait of Queen Victoria facing left and wearing a double ribbon in her hair.
The inscription reads
VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
and the date (1839) appears below the portrait.
The reverse shows the square topped crowned shield design. It includes a branch of laurel at either side of the shield tied together at the bottom with a ribbon.
Beneath this, the reverse displays the thistle, rose and shamrock (symbols of Scotland, England and Ireland) with a small flower stop on each side.
The inscription reads
BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:
completing the monarch's legend, which begins on the obverse.
Metal | Gold |
Diameter | 22.05mm |
Weight / Size | Full |
Gold Weight Troy Ounces | 0.235 |
Fineness / Carat | 0.917 / 22 |
Mintage Figure | 503,695 |
Date | 1839 |
Spink Reference | 3,852 |
Obverse Designer | William Wyon |
Reverse Designer | Jean Baptiste Merlen |
Issuing Monarch | Victoria (1837-1901) |
Mint / Brand | The Royal Mint |
Country | United Kingdom |
Obverse Grade | Reverse Grade | Price | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
gFine | aVF | £2,700.00 | Out Of Stock |
Date | Obverse | Reverse | Price |
---|---|---|---|
30 July 2020 | gFine | aVF | £2,700.00 |
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Bullion coins are provided as is and on occasion may have some minor scratches or edge knocks. These are not regarded as faulty or damaged goods as their precious metal content and value as a bullion coin is not affected. Any coin sold for a value less than a 180% intrinsic is considered a bullion coin.
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If you would like to read more about the gold sovereign, perhaps Britains most iconic numismatic piece we recommend the following:
The Coins of Queen Victoria - Young Head Portrait
The Sovereign - Britain's Favourite Gold Coin
William Wyon Engraver of the Victoria Young Head Portrait