1897 Great Britain Sovereign – Queen Victoria (Old Head) – Melbourne Mint (M) View Watchlist >
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Lot # JG133
System ID # 23880074
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1897 Great Britain Sovereign – Queen Victoria (Old Head) – Melbourne Mint (M)
This offering is an 1897 British Gold Sovereign struck at the Melbourne Mint, identified by the “M” mintmark positioned just above the date on the reverse. The obverse features Queen Victoria’s final “Old Head” (Veiled Head) portrait, designed by Sir Thomas Brock, with the inscription VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP and Brock’s initials visible at the bust. The reverse displays Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic depiction of St. George slaying the dragon, also signed “B.P.,” with the date 1897 below.
This sovereign is representative of late Victorian-era minting and is valued both for its historical significance and intrinsic gold content.
Specifications:
- Issuing Country: United Kingdom (via Melbourne Mint, Australia)
- Year: 1897
- Mint: Melbourne (“M” mintmark)
- Denomination: One Sovereign (£1 face value)
- Metal: 91.67% gold (22‑carat), alloyed with copper
- Total Weight: ~7.98 g
- Actual Gold Weight (AGW): ~7.32 g (0.2354 troy ounces)
- Diameter: ~22.05 mm
- Thickness: ~1.52 mm
- Edge: Milled
- Obverse Designer: Sir Thomas Brock (Old Head portrait)
- Reverse Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci (St. George & Dragon)
CONDITION:
In brilliant uncirculated condition exhibiting strong original luster. Light contact marks are present in the fields under magnification, but design elements remain crisp and fully legible. No evidence of cleaning or environmental damage is apparent. Please refer to the photos for a detailed condition assessment.
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