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1878 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign London Mint Saint George Coin

1878 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign London Mint Saint George Coin Reverse

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1878 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign London Mint Saint George Coin Reverse
1878 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign London Mint Saint George Coin Obverse

Buy a 1878 Sovereign

£916.92
(VAT Exempt)
Collectable London mint 1878 'full' Sovereigns (S 3856A, Marsh 89). 1,091,275 of these 22-carat gold coins were struck at the primary branch of the Royal Mint in 1878, all featuring the classic Saint George reverse design. This instantly recognisable engraving, created by Italian artist Benedetto Pistrucci, had been gradually reintroduced to the gold Sovereign from 1871, following a long period where the crowned shield reverse was favoured. Pistrucci's depiction of England's patron saint is paired on this 1878 issue with William Wyon's Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria. This beloved, youthful effigy was a constant presence on Victoria's currency for the majority of her reign.
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Description Specification Summary

Young Head Portrait Of Queen Victoria

This 1878 Sovereign features the first Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria, originally engraved by William Wyon. Victoria faces left, her hair pulled back with two ribbons. The inscription reads 'VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:'.

Saint George And The Dragon Reverse

Benedetto Pistrucci's classic Saint George and the dragon design can be seen on the reverse of this London mint coin, depicting England's patron saint mounted on a rearing horse. The date (1878) is shown below.

London Mint Coin Struck In 22-Carat Gold

Gold Sovereigns have been struck in 22-carat gold since 1817. These 1878-dated coins measure 22.05 millimetres from milled edge to milled edge and weigh approximately 7.98 grams each.

How Many 1878 Sovereigns Were Minted?

1,091,275 gold 'full' Sovereigns were struck in London in 1878. The London branch of the Royal Mint also struck gold Sovereigns with a shield reverse in the 1870s, but in 1878, this Saint George design was the sole reverse used.

Collecting Early Victorian Sovereigns

Early Victorian gold Sovereigns are a challenging and rewarding area of collecting for the serious numismatist. Completing a full date run can be difficult with two different reverses, numerous variants, and multiple branch mints issuing coins.