2004 Gold Sovereign

Gold bullion Sovereigns are possibly the most famous of all gold coins. The coins are highly sought-after by investors and collectors. The Sovereign is often known as 'The Chief Coin of the World' owing to its international trading in the 19th and 20th centuries. The contemporary gold Sovereign has been minted in Britain since 1817, and again from 1817-1917, 1925, 1957–59, 1962–68, 1974, 1976, 1978–82 and 2000 to the present day. Modern gold bullion Sovereign production was paused after 1982 up until the year 2000, although Proof versions were still issued. 

The first of the modern Sovereigns hosted a portrait of King George III and the 'St George and the Dragon' design by Benedetto Pistrucci, an Italian engraver who became Chief Medallist at The Royal Mint. This 2004 Sovereign coin hosts a portrait of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II. The current Monarch, HM Queen Elizabeth II, is also the longest reigning of all time, overtaking her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria in 2015. 

Buy a 2004 Gold Sovereign 

• This pre-owned 2004 gold bullion Sovereign is struck in 22 carat gold, weighs 7.98g and contains 7.32g of fine gold.
• A mintage of only 30,688 bullion Sovereign coins were produced at The Royal Mint for the year 2004.
• The gold Sovereign is considered to be one of the world's oldest coins still in production and a pinnacle of minting excellence. 

The year 2004

2004 witnessed rebellions in the House of Commons over; the Hunting Act, tuition fees and cape-clad Fathers 4 Justice. Beyond the walls of Westminster; the BBC's existence was threatened by the Hutton enquiry, the Gherkin opened in the City of London, the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings took place, The Queen unveiled a memorial foundation to Princess Diana, and a devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day killed thousands. 2004 was a poignant year in history, now immortalised in coinage. 

2004 Gold Bullion Sovereign

The Obverse (front, heads) presents Queen Elizabeth II's fourth portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley. Elizabeth II is captured in the Royal Diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary in 1947. Her Majesty also wore the crown at her 1953 Coronation ceremony. 

The Reverse (back, tails) of the 2004 gold bullion Sovereign hosts the signature 1817 'St George and the Dragon' design by Benedetto Pistrucci. Pistrucci was a talented 19th century engraver who also designed the Waterloo Medal, a project which took him 30 years to complete. 

The coin includes the inscription, 'DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF', which translates to 'By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith'. The inscription refers to HM Queen Elizabeth II's position as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role Her Majesty has held since her accession to the throne in 1952. 

The 2004 gold bullion Sovereign coin may be supplied in an acrylic capsule.

The Legend of St George and the Dragon

An ancient legend with a number of fabled stories associated with him, St George's legacy dates back to the 3rd century. The most familiar story recounts St George as a rescuer on horseback sent to slay a dragon to save a young maiden or princess. It is widely believed that the dragon in the mythical tale was slain at Uffington's Dragon Hill, a Bronze-age site just 20 miles from our premises. As the Patron Saint of England, St George celebrated on the 23rd April every year. In 2004, the legendary story was released as a feature film 'George and the Dragon' starring James Purefoy, Piper Perabo, Patrick Swayze and Michael Clarke Duncan. 

The Reverse depicts 'St George and his dragon', in the classic design by Benedetto Pistrucci. The Obverse design of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II is the fourth portrait design, by Ian Rank-Broadley.