1855 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign Sydney Mint Coin

1855 Sydney Sovereign Obverse Portrait

The obverse of this 1855 coin features the first portrait used on Australian Sovereigns. This is distinct from the Yougn Head bust used on contemporary London mint Sovereigns and was later replaced with the popular Banksia Head. This early bust, designed by James Wyon, shows Queen Victoria facing left, her hair held back by two bands. The date (1855) is shown below with an inscription around which reads 'VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F: D:'.

Sydney Only Australia Sovereign Reverse

The word 'AUSTRALIA' is the central feature of this coin's reverse, encircled by a wreath and surmounted by a small crown. The inscription around the edge reads 'SYDNEY MINT' and 'ONE SOVEREIGN'.

22-Carat Gold Branch Mint Coin

Like their British counterparts, 1855 Sydney mint Sovereigns are struck in 22-carat gold to a specification established in 1817 when the first of these iconic gold coins were minted.

1855-S Sydney Sovereign Mintage Figures

Just 502,000 gold 'full' Sovereigns were struck at the newly opened Sydney mint in 1855 with the early portrait of Victoria by James Wyon. Patterns with this bust and with the later Banksia Head are known but extremely rare. Early Sydney Sovereigns like this one are known to be made from slightly finer gold, leading to them being favoured by traders.

Buying Historic Sydney Mint Sovereigns

Sydney mint Sovereigns are popular among Sovereign collectors for their unique design and their ties to the story of the Australian gold rush. Like all early Australian Sovereigns, high-grade examples of the 1855-S issue can be difficult to find due to harsh circulation conditions.

Browse the range: Sydney Mint Gold Sovereigns