The Sovereign is one of the world’s most famous coins, first introduced in the 15th Century by Henry VII. 200 years later Britain’s economic crisis after the Napoleonic Wars led to the Great Recoinage of 1816 and the re-introduction of the Sovereign, to replace the Guinea.

This ‘Modern’ Sovereign was smaller than its Tudor predecessor but no less admired, largely due to its stunning design by the celebrated engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. His classic ‘George & the Dragon’ has featured on almost all annual Sovereign issues since 1817, only changing on rare occasions such as major royal events or anniversaries.