The Great Britain Gold Sovereign is one of the most recognized coins globally. While it was widely circulated throughout the British Empire from 1817 until the interwar period between World War I and World War II, the Gold Sovereign was just one of the options available. The 1817 revision of British coinage also introduced new half sovereigns. Now, you can purchase Great Britain 1/2 Gold Sovereigns online from BullionMax.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives inside individual plastic flips!
• Issued widely from 1817-1926 in circulation and as bullion coins from 1980!
• Available in mixed types from random years!
• Varied conditions possible!
• Contains .1176 Troy oz of actual gold content per coin.
• Issued a face value of 1/2 Pound sterling by Britain.
• British monarchs feature on the obverse.
• George and the dragon appear on the reverse of most coins.
• Please note that buying multiples can result in receiving coins of the same type, date, design, and condition.

The history of the Great Britain 1/2 Gold Sovereign is intricate. Generally, the term Great Britain Gold Sovereign refers to coins issued after 1817 and the redesign of much of Britain’s coinage. All Great Britain Sovereigns trace back to the English sovereign coins first issued in 1544 during the latter years of King Henry VIII’s reign.

Half sovereigns were regularly issued for circulation from 1817 to 1926. Special coronation-year issues continued through 1936, with production halting in the 1970s. The Great Britain Half Sovereign was revived in 1980 during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, but these were issued as proof and bullion coins rather than for circulation.

British monarchs are featured on the obverse of Great Britain 1/2 Gold Sovereign Coins. Each monarch is depicted in the opposite profile from their predecessor. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II is shown in right-profile relief, contrasting with her father, King George VI, who was depicted in left-profile relief. Monarchs with long reigns, like Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, had their effigies updated over time to reflect their age.

Most Great Britain 1/2 Gold Sovereign Coins display St. George and the dragon on the reverse. Early coins from William IV’s reign and the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign have different designs—a crowned shield for William IV and a crowned shield with the Hanoverian arms for Queen Victoria. Other coins feature the St. George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci.

These Great Britain 1/2 Gold Sovereign Coins come in plastic flips and are offered in various conditions from mixed types. The date on the coins will determine the monarch on the obverse and the reverse design. We cannot guarantee a specific date, design, or condition in advance. Coins are selected at random once your payment is processed. If you order more than one, the coins may be similar or vary within the series.

For assistance purchasing gold coins, please contact BullionMax customer service at 800-729-3202. We are also available online via live chat and email.