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British Gold Half Sovereign Coin Avg Circ (Random Year)
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British Gold Half Sovereign Coin Avg Circ (Random Year)
Under King Henry VIII, the half-sovereign coins came into existence in 1544. These coins were real circulating coins until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Its face value was half-pound or ten shilling which was half that of one sovereign. Its design was a scaled-down version of the full sovereign coin. These coins were issued from 1544 up to 1604 and then discontinued. It was again introduced in 1817 after the Recoinage Act of 1816 and issued till 1926 after which annual production was ceased and only commemorative issues in coronation years were released until 1980. Since 1980, the British Half Sovereign Coins have been issued as limited edition collector’s coins. The Great Britain Gold Half Sovereign is one of the most historic gold coin series.
Coin Features:
- Contains .1177 Troy Ounce of .9167 fine gold.
- Average Circulated condition.
- Each half-sovereign coin will be shipped in protective plastic flips.
- Obverse: Features a bust portrait of the reigning monarch at the time of minting the coin.
- Reverse: Most dates feature St. George mounted on horseback slaying a dragon, a design by Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. Some coins from Queen Victoria's reign feature a crowned shield.
- Minted at the British Royal Mint
- Dates will be chosen randomly, based on availability.
Why Buy British Half Sovereign Coins?
- Half sovereigns are an affordable option compared to sovereigns.
- It provides the benefit of divisibility as it is easy to trade or gift individual coins while it is not possible with larger gold products.
- Internationally recognized coin with a high reputation hence easy to buy and sell.
- Each coin is minted maintaining high standards and is checked by a panel of expert assayers.
Detailed Information:
It might be surprising to know that half-sovereign coins are more sought after than full sovereign coins due to the fact that the half-sovereign coins have far less mintage when compared to full sovereign coins. Under Henry VII, the full sovereign coins were minted in 1489. However, the half-sovereign coins were not existent until 1544 which were released under the rule of Henry VIII. So there was almost a 55 years gap before the half-sovereign were released.
A half-sovereign coin was originally struck in 1489 as a gift to King Henry VII. However, it was not released for circulation until 1544. In 1544, these coins were introduced as legal tender by King Henry VIII. It had a face value of ten shillings and its design was a scaled-down version of the full sovereign coin. The coin was minted for Edward VI and other monarchs for the next 60 years before it was paused by James I, who wanted to abolish Tudor Coins.
These coins resurfaced again after the Recoinage Act of 1816 and started a new lease of life in 1817. The year 1816 proved to be a milestone year for British coinage which was affected by the industrial revolution. The Royal Mint, which was originally situated in the Tower of London was now shifting to an all-new premise on the close by Tower Hill. The Mint was now equipped with steampowered coining presses designed by Matthew Boulton and James Watt, which was very powerful and could produce high quality coins much faster than the previous techniques. Thus it leads to the production of half sovereign coins that were now known as the modern half sovereign coins.
The Royal Mint stopped the production of half sovereigns again in 1915 due to World War I; however, its production continued in other branch mints till 1926 after which it was completely stopped. They were not issued until 1980. Since 1980, the Half Sovereigns have been released annually as a limited edition collector’s coin.
These British sovereign coins are a much sought after coin by collectors and investors alike because of its historical significance and limited mintage. They have also become a popular gift item for Christmas and Christening. Since 2000, the Royal Mint produces two versions of this coin, the bullion grade, and proof.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our customer service representatives.
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