The 1852 gold sovereign is the fifth date for the Queen Victoria "second head" shield sovereign. This second type of Victoria sovereign was issued from 1848 to 1872, has a slightly larger head in lower relief, and the reverse legends are repositioned.
There are two variations of the 1852 sovereign:
-> the usual design
-> an error where the 1 in 1852 has been replaced incorrectly by a Roman letter I
See the rest of the 1852 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.
Designed by William Wyon, Chief Engraver, the obverse features the second (large) young head portrait facing left of the young Queen at just 18 years old. This larger bust fills more of the area of the coin and shows Victoria's hair held by a double fillet and gathered into a loosely knotted bun. The initials W.W. are set in relief in the rear of the truncation.
The inscription reads
VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
and the date (1852) appears below the portrait.
The reverse of the 1852 sovereign was designed by engraver, Jean Baptiste Merlen. It features the shield design,which is mounted by a crown. It also has a branch of laurel leaves on either side. The branches are tied, with a ribbon in a bow, below the shield.
Beneath this, the reverse displays the thistle, rose and shamrock (symbolising the unity 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 | 8,053,435 |
Date | 1852 |
Spink Reference | 3852C |
Obverse Designer | William Wyon |
Reverse Designer | Benedetto Pistrucci |
Issuing Monarch | Victoria (1837-1901) |
Mint / Brand | The Royal Mint |
Country | United Kingdom |
Obverse Grade | Reverse Grade | Price | Availability | |
---|---|---|---|---|
gVF | gVF | £925.81 | In Stock | |
VF | VF | £805.81 | In Stock | |
aVF | aEF | £915.81 | Out Of Stock | |
aVF | gVF | £805.81 | In Stock | |
aVF | VF | £760.81 | In Stock | |
aVF | aVF | £720.81 | In Stock | |
gFine | VF | £725.81 | In Stock | |
gFine | aVF | £687.81 | In Stock | |
aFine | aFine | £615.08 | Out Of Stock | |
gVF | aEF | £975.81 | In Stock | |
VF | gVF | £845.81 | In Stock | |
gFine | gFine | £655.81 | Out Of Stock |
Date | Obverse | Reverse | Price |
---|---|---|---|
11 July 2018 | aFine | aFine | £477.96 |
26 February 2021 | gFine | gFine | £394.69 |
15 August 2021 | gFine | VF | £477.74 |
11 September 2021 | aVF | aVF | £475.66 |
27 September 2021 | gFine | aVF | £437.70 |
15 November 2021 | gFine | aVF | £471.04 |
01 May 2022 | gFine | aVF | £508.74 |
16 May 2022 | aVF | aVF | £531.11 |
27 June 2022 | aVF | aEF | £733.09 |
05 January 2023 | gVF | aEF | £805.28 |
10 September 2024 | gFine | aVF | £635.17 |
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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: