Gold Sovereign - Victoria - Young Head (Type 2) - 1871-1887

St. George & Dragon Reverse In 1871, a major modification was made, and a "Type 2" young head sovereign was introduced. The most obvious difference was the change of reverse from a shield to Pistrucci's famous Saint George & Dragon reverse. The main difference on the obverse was the removal of the date, which was relocated to the reverse side. When mint-marks were introduced for the branch mints, the mint-mark was placed under the head, as on our photograph of an 1884 Sydney mint sovereign. This type was issued until 1887 inclusive.

 

• Issuer - United Kingdom
• Monarch - Victoria
• Type - Standard circulation coin
• Years - 1871 - 1887
• Value - 1 Sovereign = 20 Shillings
• Currency - Pound sterling (1158-1970)
• Composition - Gold (.9167)
• Weight - 7.99 g
• Diameter - 22 mm
• Thickness - 1.5 mm
• Shape - Round