Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
916.7Au
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Denomination
Sovereign
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Weight
7.98g
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
22.05mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
500
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Total Mintage
500
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - Sovereign 2025
The Sovereign is one of the world’s most famous and respected coins, first introduced in the 15th Century by Henry VII. Minting of the Sovereign ceased under James I but, 200 years later, the Sovereign was reborn during the Great Recoinage of 1816 when it replaced the Guinea. In order to ensure that the new coins featured the finest possible designs a keenly contested competition invited the most talented artists of the age to submit their best creations, with the work of two men standing above all others; Benedetto Pistrucci and William Wyon, two of the defining coin engravers of the 19th Century.
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Pistrucci’s iconic image of St George slaying a dragon was chosen for the new Sovereign in preference to Wyon’s proposal, sparking a period of rivalry between the two men that was finally eased in 1828 when they were given roles at The Royal Mint which made the most of each man’s skills; Pistrucci was made Chief Medallist while Wyon was appointed Chief Engraver.
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• William Wyon’s St George & the Dragon takes centre stage
• A new definitive design for our annual Sovereign Collection • Strictly limited edition presentation of just 500 worldwide • Minted to the same specifications as the original 1817 Sovereign • Struck in gleaming 22ct gold to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Product Detail
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Pistrucci’s iconic image of St George slaying a dragon was chosen for the new Sovereign in preference to Wyon’s proposal, sparking a period of rivalry between the two men that was finally eased in 1828 when they were given roles at The Royal Mint which made the most of each man’s skills; Pistrucci was made Chief Medallist while Wyon was appointed Chief Engraver.
|
• William Wyon’s St George & the Dragon takes centre stage
• A new definitive design for our annual Sovereign Collection • Strictly limited edition presentation of just 500 worldwide • Minted to the same specifications as the original 1817 Sovereign • Struck in gleaming 22ct gold to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Stories
Sovereign
Wyon’s reputation as one of history’s greatest coin engravers is forever linked to the reign of Queen Victoria. When Victoria was crowned Queen in 1838 Wyon created the iconic ‘Young Head’ portrait, which was so well liked by the monarch that it graced the coins of her reign for nearly 50 years.
Some years later Wyon received a private commission to design a personal medal for Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Wyon’s response was his own interpretation of St George & the Dragon, a design full of energy that captured the patron saint of England slaying the dragon beneath his rearing steed, believed to have been modelled upon Prince Albert’s favourite horse, ‘Imaun’.
Some years later Wyon received a private commission to design a personal medal for Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Wyon’s response was his own interpretation of St George & the Dragon, a design full of energy that captured the patron saint of England slaying the dragon beneath his rearing steed, believed to have been modelled upon Prince Albert’s favourite horse, ‘Imaun’.
Prince Albert’s Personal Medal was issued to Henry Cole in recognition of his tireless contribution to the Great Exhibition of 1851 and, as Wyon sadly passed away that same year, his interpretation of St George & the Dragon makes a fitting final chapter in a story that began years earlier with his rivalry with Benedetto Pistrucci.
The story of William Wyon’s St George & the Dragon now begins anew as the definitive design of our annual Sovereign collection, faithfully reproduced using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and the latest minting technologies.
This 2025 Sovereign Gold Proof Coin has been struck in 22 carat gold to the same exacting specifications that date back to the Great Recoinage of 1816, where this timeless story of rivalry and artistry first began.
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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.
How do I make sure I have access to the next coin in the collection?
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Do you have any offers or run promotions?
From time to time we will offer customers incentives or promotions. You can also subscribe to the newsletter sign up which is the best way to access special offers available only to our newsletter database. -
Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
