What is the Exact Weight and Purity of Gold Sovereigns?

Accurate Sovereign Specified Weight Calculation

Gold sovereigns have exact weights and measurements that ensure their consistency and value

Coinage Act of 1870

The Coinage Act of 1870 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament that reformed the coinage system in the United Kingdom. (See Source) The key points of this Act include:

Standardisation: It established standardised specifications for the weight and fineness of various coins, including gold sovereigns.

Regulation: The Act introduced stricter regulations on the production of coins, ensuring consistency and uniformity across the coinage system.

Royal Mint: It solidified the role of the Royal Mint in producing coins and set clear guidelines for the minting process.

What Impact Did the 1870 Coinage Act Have on Gold Sovereigns?

Weight: Each gold sovereign was to weigh 7.98805182664527 grams, as indicated in the detailed calculations above.

Fineness: The gold content was set at 22 carats, or 91.67% pure gold.

Coinage Act of 1971

The Coinage Act of 1971 was another crucial reform in the UK’s monetary system, coinciding with the transition to decimal currency. (See Source) Key aspects of this Act include:

Decimalisation: It facilitated the transition from the old currency system (pounds, shillings, and pence) to a decimal-based system (pounds and new pence).

Redefinition: The Act redefined the units of currency and provided guidelines for the production of new decimal coins.

Obsolete Coins: It phased out certain coins that were no longer necessary under the new system.

What Impact Did the 1971 Coinage Act Have on Gold Sovereigns?

While the Coinage Act of 1971 primarily focused on decimalisation, it also maintained the standards for gold sovereigns established by earlier legislation, including the Coinage Act of 1870.

Definition of Remedy

In the context of coinage, "remedy" refers to the allowable deviation in weight or fineness for coins during the manufacturing process.

This tolerance ensures that minor variances do not affect the coin's acceptability for trade or investment. The remedy tolerance for gold sovereigns is a crucial factor in maintaining their value and trustworthiness in the market.

Remedy Allowances:

Weight Remedy: There is a slight tolerance allowed for the weight of the coin. This means a sovereign may weigh slightly more or less than the specified 7.98805 grams and still be considered within acceptable limits.

Fineness Remedy: Similarly, the fineness or purity of the gold in the sovereign can have a small permissible range around the specified 91.67% gold content.

Conclusion

Understanding these measurements and the historical context provided by the Coinage Acts of 1870 and 1971 highlights the importance of accuracy and consistency in gold coinage. The concept of "remedy" further ensures that minor variances do not detract from the sovereign's intrinsic value, making them a reliable investment for collectors and investors alike.

Gold Sovereign Learning Resources

Want to learn more about gold sovereigns before investing? Explore our complete Sovereign Guide, which details the early foundations of the sovereign, designs, mintmarks, and how to identify fakes, along with a Sovereign FAQ. All of this has been written by our in-house experts with the aim of educating our customers about one of Britain's most famous investment-bullion coins.

For those new to the world of gold investment, our Beginners Guide To Gold Investing is an excellent starting point. Ready to start investing in gold sovereigns? Browse our complete range featuring individual sovereigns and coin sets. Our selection includes a variety of finishes and conditions to suit all investors and collectors, ensuring you find the perfect addition to your portfolio.