BEHIND THE CRAFT
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Behind the Craft - Sovereign 2023

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.

2023 Five Sovereign Gold Proof Coin

ONLY 50 COINS WORLDWIDE

The East India Company Collections’ 2023 Gold Proof Sovereign Collection celebrates the ancient heraldry and heritage of King Charles III.

The East India Company - Collections

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To celebrate the recent coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, our 2023 Sovereign Collection design captures the ancient symbols of heritage and heraldry that inform the King’s family history and combine to form His Majesty’s coat of arms; the Royal Arms, used by the King in his official capacity as monarch of the United Kingdom.
• Our first Five Sovereign issued under the reign of King Charles III
• Exclusive Sovereign design celebrating royal heritage and heraldry
• Unique Privy Mark of a crowned ‘C’
• A strictly limited edition of just 50 coins worldwide
• Struck in gleaming 22ct gold to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Product Detail

To celebrate the recent coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, our 2023 Sovereign Collection design captures the ancient symbols of heritage and heraldry that inform the King’s family history and combine to form His Majesty’s coat of arms; the Royal Arms, used by the King in his official capacity as monarch of the United Kingdom.
• Our first Five Sovereign issued under the reign of King Charles III
• Exclusive Sovereign design celebrating royal heritage and heraldry
• Unique Privy Mark of a crowned ‘C’
• A strictly limited edition of just 50 coins worldwide
• Struck in gleaming 22ct gold to our highest Proof quality finish
• Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet

Specification

  • Alloy

    916.7Au

  • Denomination

    Five Sovereign

  • Weight

    39.94g

  • Authority

    St Helena

  • Diameter

    36.02mm

  • Edge

    Milled

  • Issue limit

    50

  • Total Mintage

    120

Stories

Sovereign

The Royal Arms can be seen on buildings or items that represent the Crown, for instance in UK court rooms or on the nation's coins.

The British Government is officially known as ‘Her Majesty’s Government’, so the royal standard also features on official buildings and documents, such as Embassy entrances and British passports.

The shield at its centre bears the emblems of the members of the United Kingdom and is surrounded by a belt or ‘garter’ featuring the motto ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ ('Evil to him who evil thinks’).
The shield is supported by the Lion of England and the Unicorn of Scotland and is topped by a crowned golden lion.

The lion and unicorn stand upon a grassy frame, known as a compartment, which is planted with further national symbols; the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, and the shamrock of Ireland.

At the base of the compartment, and around the top of the coin’s design, sits the motto of the monarch of the United Kingdom, ‘DIEU ET MON DROIT’, which means ‘God and my right’.

The 2023 Five Sovereign Gold Proof Coin features the full royal coat of arms, used to identify the Head of State in the United Kingdom. The coat of arms is only ever borne by the British Sovereign, currently His Majesty King Charles III.

The design is completed by a unique privy mark of a crowned ‘C’, signifying that these are the first East India Company Sovereigns to be issued during the second Carolean Age, the reign of His Majesty King Charles III.

  • FAQ

    What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
    Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.

    What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
    This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.

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  • Delivery & Returns

    UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
    See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery.

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