1817: The gold sovereign

After the Great Recoinage of 1816 put Britain on the gold standard, the Royal Mint struck the first modern sovereigns in 1817. The coin contains about 7.32 grams of fine gold (22 carat), and Benedetto Pistrucci's St George slaying the dragon became its classic design.

Sovereigns were used as money around the world and are still minted as bullion and collector coins. Common dates trade close to their gold value; rare dates, mints and high grades carry large premiums – and sovereigns are among the most faked gold coins.

Find out what your own coin is worth – Coin Value English

All years