1846 Gold Full Sovereign Victoria Young Head London Mint

The 1846 gold sovereign is one of the earliest dates of Victoria shield sovereign and features the young head portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse with the crwoned Victoria shield as the reverse. 

It was only the eighth sovereign of Queen Victoria's reign as the sovereign wasn't issued in 1840.

Marsh reference 29, Spink reference 3852. For more information about sub types see 'More Info.'

See the rest of the 1846 Sovereign Collection.

1846 Sovereigns

There are three subtypes of this date of sovereign listed under Spink reference number 3852 these are, the normal type, an inverted 4 in the date, and a Roman I. The latter two types being rare or very rare. 

Hammered Gold Coins

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. 

Shield Sovereigns

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 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.

All of 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.

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

The date (1846) appears below the portrait. 

The reverse shows a new 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:

This completes the monarch's legend, which begins on the obverse.