What is a Shield Sovereign?

Introduction to Shield Sovereigns

To begin, it is important to disclose that many numismatic websites and bullion dealers use different terms to refer to 'shield sovereigns', which can be confusing for new investors. To clarify, we will outline some of these terms, explain why they are used, and share why we prefer simply 'shield sovereigns.'

The most commonly used terms are 'shield back sovereigns' or 'shieldback sovereigns.' While popular among enthusiasts, we believe this phrasing is unnecessary, as there is no 'shield front' sovereign, making 'shield sovereigns' a more concise and logical term. This is about the only page on our website where you will find us referring to a shield back sovereign or shield back sovereigns, as opposed to simply saying shield sovereign or shield sovereigns.

Additionally, these coins are sometimes described as 'crowned shield sovereigns' or 'Royal Arms shield sovereigns.' This terminology, though accurate, can be misleading as it closely resembles The Royal Mint’s modern Royal Arms bullion coin series. To avoid confusion, we avoid this term as a formal name, instead using it occasionally to describe the design’s key features. Lastly, some refer to these as 'the old shield design,' especially in reference to Queen Victoria’s sovereigns. While correct, we believe 'shield sovereigns' remains a simpler, more accurate term to encompass this design's heritage and significance.

Our Definition of Shield Sovereigns

The term shield sovereign is usually applied to a Victoria young head sovereign, minted between 1838 and 1887, with a shield as the design on its reverse (back). There were also shield designs used for George IV and William IV, and also in 2002 for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee year. There is no particular need to refer to any of these other reigns as "shields", because no non-shield sovereigns exist for the same dates ranges, whereas for Queen Victoria, the St. George and dragon design was re-introduced in 1871, paired with a young head obverse until 1887.

How to Buy Shield Sovereigns?

We stock a wide range of shield gold sovereign coins, ideal for collectors looking to add the historic Royal Arms shield design by Jean Baptiste Merlen to their collection.

Who Engraved the Shield Sovereign?

Jean Baptiste Merlen was a renowned French engraver, initially employed by the Paris Mint before eventually joining The Royal Mint in 1820. He is celebrated for his contributions to numismatics and coin design. William Wyon became Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint in 1828, during Jean Baptiste Merlen's time as assistant engraver.

Merlen is best known for his obverse portrait of George IV, introduced in 1821, which was the first to depict a male monarch without a crown or laureate. He is also remembered for his Royal Arms 'Shield sovereign' design, which first appeared on the George IV sovereigns in 1825.

Examples of Shield Sovereigns

2025 Proof Sovereign Coins

The Royal Mint has announced that the 2025 gold proof sovereign range and the 2025 quintuple gold brilliant uncirculated sovereign coin will include a beautifully remastered version of Merlen’s Royal Arms Shield on the reverse, marking the 200th anniversary of this iconic design in a special commemorative release. This is also the first time in the sovereign series that Merlen’s design is paired with the official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III. Additionally, this will be the final sovereign in the series struck in rose gold.

To learn more about the specifications of these highly anticipated coins, explore our 2025 proof sovereign guide, which covers some of The Royal Mint’s most significant innovations to date.

Launch Date: The 2025 gold proof & BU sovereign coins will be released on Monday, 4th November, with pre-orders opening the same day.