Sovereign Elizabeth II Gold Coin | 1957-2021
The gold Sovereign bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II — a cornerstone of British numismatics and one of the world's most enduring bullion coins.
The Sovereign Elizabeth II, struck by The Royal Mint continuously from 1957 to 2021, is among the most widely recognised gold coins on the planet. Made from 22-carat gold (917/1000 fineness) and containing 7.32 g of fine gold, it combines centuries of minting heritage with the straightforward appeal of a globally liquid bullion piece. Whether you are building a physical gold holding, adding to a numismatic collection, or seeking a historically significant gift, the Elizabeth II Sovereign delivers on every front.
Obverse
The obverse of the Sovereign changed several times over the 1957-2021 period, each iteration featuring an official portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by a different sculptor. The successive effigies — from Mary Gillick's serene 1953 likeness to the later portraits by Arnold Machin, Raphael Maklouf, Ian Rank-Broadley, and Jody Clark — provide a remarkable visual record of the Queen's reign and make year-dated Sovereigns particularly interesting to collectors.
Reverse
The reverse bears the timeless design of St George slaying the dragon, engraved by Italian master Benedetto Pistrucci — a motif that has appeared on the Sovereign since 1817. Bold, allegorical, and universally admired, this image is one of the most iconic in the history of world coinage.
Specifications
- Country: United Kingdom
- Issuing mint: The Royal Mint
- Series: Sovereign
- Years of issue: 1957-2021
- Metal: Gold
- Fineness: 917/1000 (22 carat)
- Fine gold content: 7.32 g
- Total weight: 7.98 g
- Diameter: approx. 22.05 mm
- Packaging: Protective plastic capsule
About the Sovereign
The British Sovereign has been struck almost without interruption since 1817, making it one of the oldest continuously produced gold coins in the world. Its 22-carat alloy — which adds durability to the coin's resistance to everyday wear — has remained constant throughout, as has the Pistrucci reverse. During the Elizabeth II era (1952-2022), the Sovereign was minted in vast quantities at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, as well as at branch mints in Australia, Canada, India, and South Africa in earlier decades. Today, coins from any year of the Elizabeth II series trade freely on the global secondary market at modest premiums over their gold content.
One notable advantage: the Sovereign is Capital Gains Tax-exempt in the United Kingdom, making it especially attractive to UK-based buyers. In Poland and across the EU, it qualifies as VAT-exempt gold bullion.
Browse the full range of gold bullion coins available at GoldInvest24.
Why choose this coin
- 22-carat gold (917/1000) — traditional alloy, proven durability
- 7.32 g of fine gold per coin — compact and convenient to hold or store
- Struck by The Royal Mint — one of the world's oldest and most trusted minting authorities
- Iconic Pistrucci reverse — universally recognised across all continents
- CGT-exempt in the UK; VAT-exempt across the EU
- Decades of dated issues available — ideal for year-by-year collection building
- Highly liquid on the global secondary market
FAQ
What is a full Sovereign worth in gold?
A full Sovereign contains 7.32 g of fine gold (917/1000 fineness). Its market value tracks the gold spot price, with a small dealer premium for the coin's recognised status.
Does the coin's year of issue affect its value?
For standard circulating Sovereigns, the year affects the obverse portrait and, to a modest degree, the collector premium. Rarer dates or low-mintage years can attract significantly higher premiums. For most dates in the 1957-2021 range, the bullion value is the primary driver.
How is the coin packaged?
The coin is supplied in a protective plastic capsule that shields the surfaces from scratches and handling marks during storage and transport.
Is the Sovereign legal tender?
Yes. The Sovereign carries a face value of one pound sterling and is legal tender in the United Kingdom, although its gold value far exceeds its nominal denomination.
