1879 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign Melbourne Mint Coin

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1879 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign Melbourne Mint Coin Obverse

Buy a 1879-M Sovereign

Collectable Melbourne mint gold Sovereign, dated 1879 (S 3857, Marsh 101). These 22-carat gold coins were struck during the reign of Queen Victoria, who came to the throne in 1837. For the first 50 years of her rule, the coins of the British Empire featured a youthful portrait of Victoria, created by William Wyon and known as the Young Head. It's this bust that is used on this 1879 coin, despite the fact that the Queen was in her 60s when it was struck. A small 'M' mintmark is shown below the bust, identifying these coins as among the 2,740,594 'full' Sovereigns struck at the Melbourne, Australia branch of the Royal Mint in 1879. The reverse features the classic Saint George and the dragon design, so closely associated with this sought-after denomination.

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Description Specification Summary

Young Head Portrait With 'M' Mintmark

These Melbourne mint coins feature a variation of William Wyon's Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse with the addition of an 'M' mintmark below the bust. The inscription reads 'VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:'.

Classic Gold Sovereign Reverse Design

Benedetto Pistrucci's instantly recognisable St George and the dragon design features on the reverse of these coins. The date (1879) is shown below with the artist's 'B.P.' initials to the right.

What Are Sovereigns Made Out Of?

Genuine 'full' Sovereigns are made from 22-carat gold, regardless of whether they were struck in London or at a branch mint. These coins measure just over 22 millimetres in diameter and should weigh approximately 7.98 grams.

How Many 1879-M Sovereigns Were Minted?

The recorded mintage for 1879 Melbourne mint Sovereigns is 2,740,594. While in some years, coins with a shield reverse were also issued, only Saint George coins were struck in 1879.

Buying Historic Branch Mint Sovereigns

Collecting Sovereigns from the Melbourne mint is a rewarding endeavour, particularly the issues of the 1870s and 1880s which are richly varied, providing a challenge to any numismatist who wants to complete a full set. An 1879 date is a key acquisition and ours are ready to add to your Sovereign collection.

Browse the range: Melbourne Mint Gold Sovereigns