skip to main content

Buy Double Sovereign Edward VII (1901-1910) Proof Coins

Edward VII was born in 1841. The eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward was strictly educated as a child. As he grew up, however, he became rebellious and lived for pleasure. His womanising ways were a pain point for his parents, but he soon became the figurehead of London's high society and beloved by the nation. He spent most of his life as Prince of Wales under his mother's reign and had little to do with state affairs. His diplomacy, however, saw him building relationships between Britain and other European royal families. His reign lasted under ten years and he died in 1910, ending an opulent era for Britain. 

First struck in 1820, the Double Sovereign is a large and prestigious British gold coin. Both historic and modern Double Sovereigns are composed of 15.98 grams of 22 carat (916.7) gold which equates to a fine gold content of .4708 troy ounces. Double Sovereigns have a face value of Two Pounds but - like the smaller 'full' gold Sovereign - they do not display their denomination. Collectors recognise Double Sovereigns by their distinctive design which has commonly featured the image of Saint George to the reverse.

Filter products
Category
Monarch
Denomination
Finish
Country
Brand
Series
VAT Status
Capital Gains Tax Status
View Type:
Grid
List
Special Offers
1902 Gold Matt Proof Double Sovereign Two Pound Edward VII Coin
More Info

Double Sovereign Info

What's better than a gold Sovereign? A Double Sovereign!

The History of Double Sovereigns

The first Double Sovereigns were double-weight piedfort versions of the 15.55 gram gold Sovereigns introduced during the reign of King Henry VII. These extremely rare hammered coins were probably presented to important people rather than being released into circulation.

The same was true of the first modern milled Double Sovereigns, issued in 1820. Double Sovereigns were sporadically struck through the nineteenth century, often in small numbers, making Georgian and Victorian examples particularly collectible.

In the twentieth century Double Sovereigns formed part of coronation proof sets. They have been struck regularly since 1980, generally being offered only in three-coin, four-coin and five-coin Sovereign sets. Lately, The Royal Mint has begun to offer bullion Double Sovereigns, designed for investors.

Gold Double Sovereign Specifications

For the last two hundred years, Double Sovereigns have been struck to the same strict set of specifications.

Each Double Sovereign is composed of 15.98 grams of 22 carat (916.7) gold. This equates to a pure gold weight of 14.85 grams or .4708 troy ounces of pure gold. Double Sovereigns offer twice the amount of gold as their smaller cousin, the 'full' Sovereign, which weighs 7.98 grams. Double Sovereigns are also thicker and larger, boasting a diameter of 28.40 millimetres.

Fake Double Sovereigns can be identified by checking their composition using XRF technology. We authenticate all our Double Sovereigns using this specialist kit, combined with our decades of expertise.

British Double Sovereign Designs

Like other coins in the gold Sovereign family, Double Sovereigns do not name their face value on either obverse or reverse. Collectors recognise these coins thanks to their distinctive specifications. Their instantly recognisable reverse design also makes them easy to identify. The majority of Double Sovereigns minted down the centuries have featured Benedetto Pistrucci's classic image of Saint George, caught in the act of slaying a dragon. This engraving was created for the first modern 'full' Sovereigns and has seen regular use on the Double Sovereign with only a few exceptions.

Traditionally, the image of England's patron saint is paired with the current royal portrait. The earliest Double Sovereigns showed the profile of George III. Modern Double Sovereigns have born a succession of effigies of Queen Elizabeth II, along with a legend that reads: 'ELIZABETH II · DEI · GRA · REGINA · FID · DEF ·'.

Investing In Gold Double Sovereigns

Double Sovereigns offer many of the same benefits to investors as other Sovereign coins. As they are composed of investment-grade gold, Double Sovereigns are VAT exempt in Britain and the EU. Their face value - set at Two Pounds - makes them legal tender in the UK which confers a Capital Gains Tax exemption that's important when you come to liquidate your stack.

You'll find that gold buyers the world over recognise these gold coins. Their long history and the prestige of The Royal Mint brand confers trust in Double Sovereigns that makes them easy to sell.

While their 22 carat gold composition makes Double Sovereigns a good way to store wealth, many of these coins demand a price well in excess of spot, thanks to their rarity. Even today very few are minted annually, promoting a healthy collectors market.

Gold Two Pounds And Double Sovereigns

Double Sovereigns are technically a Two Pound coin and they share the same general specification as a range of commemorative gold coins from The Royal Mint. Modern gold Two Pound coins have been issued since 1986. In the last couple of decades these gold coins have featured a red gold outer ring and a yellow gold inner circle which imitates the bimetallic circulating counterparts and distinguishes them from modern Double Sovereigns. Generally, collectors and sellers consider these two British gold coins separately though both are composed of 15.98 grams of 22 carat gold.

You can browse our selection of £2 coins in gold, silver, brilliant uncirculated and circulated finished on our Two Pound coins page.

How To Sell A Gold Double Sovereign

Whether you've got a single Double Sovereign or several gold coins to sell, we're happy to provide you with a no obligation quote.

The Britannia Coin Company buys Sovereigns at our precious metals counter in Royal Wootton Bassett as well as operating a sale-by-mail service, meaning you can get an industry leading price for your old coins from home. Visit our Sell Your Coins page for more information or contact us for a valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The value of Edward VII coins depends on several factors including the date, the condition and where the coin was minted. High grade branch mint Sovereigns are very sought after. The current gold price will also impact how much your King Edward coins are worth so it’s worth checking out live prices before you sell.

The value of you Edward VII Sovereign depends on the date, where it was minted and the coin's condition. High grade coins (those with little wear and few scratches) are sought-after by collectors, as are coins struck in Australia and Canada, rather than in London. Contact The Britannia Coin Company today for a quote.

Gold Sovereigns struck between 1902 and 1910 featuring a portrait of Edward VII can be very valuable. Carefully examine the ground beneath the dragon on the 'tails' side of the coin. If you can see a tiny letter you could be in luck: this indicates a coin struck in Australia or Canada - the latter are particularly valuable.

The value of Sovereigns minted during the reign of Edward VII can vary drastically. Sovereigns minted at branch mints in Australia and Canada are rarer than those struck in London. Ottawa Mint and some Melbourne Mint Sovereigns can command high prices, particularly examples in good condition.

Selling Edward VII gold Sovereigns is easy with The Britannia Coin Company. Visit our Sell Your Coins page for a free, no obligation quote for your old coins. We offer market leading prices for Edward VII Sovereigns and the best thing is you don’t have to leave your house: simply post your coins to us and get a fast deposit.

The rarest Sovereigns of King Edward VII's reign were minted at the Ottawa Mint in Canada in 1908, 1909 and 1910. You can identify these by the tiny 'C' on the ground below the dragon on the reverse. Other branch mint Edward VII Sovereigns are also sought after including those struck in Sydney and Melbourne.

During the reign of King Edward VII (ruled 1901 to 1910) gold Sovereigns were minted in London as well as at branch mints across the British Empire including three in Australia: Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. In 1908 a new mint was opened in Ottawa, Canada. Sovereigns issued at this mint are quite rare.

Contact The Britannia Coin Company to get a free, no obligation quote for your gold King Edward VII Sovereign. We buy these coins for market leading prices. Visit our Sell Your Coins page for more information on how you can sell your silver and gold Edward VII coins from home and get cash fast.