Queen Victoria · 1838–1887

1879 Gold Sovereign

London-mint shield-reverse Sovereigns are scarce in this year.

Melt value (live spot) £—
Typical auction value (+80%) £—

Melt value is the live gold spot price × 7.32g of fine gold. The auction value reflects the typical numismatic premium for this date in good condition. Exceptional specimens (proof, slabbed, perfect condition) can sell for materially more.

1879 specifications

Year
1879
Series
Victoria Young Head
Monarch
Queen Victoria
Mintage
3,141,800
Metal
22-carat gold (916.7)
Fine weight
7.32g · 0.2354 oz t
Gross weight
7.988g
Diameter
22.05 mm
Face value
£1
Numismatic premium
~80% over melt

About the Victoria Young Head series

The first modern Sovereign portrait. Wreath-and-shield reverse (1838–1874) then St George reverse (1871–1887). Featured the youthful Queen Victoria portrait by William Wyon.

How the value is calculated

Every Sovereign contains exactly 7.32g of fine gold. The melt value above is that fine content × the live per-gram gold spot price in GBP on the dashboard. The auction value adds the numismatic premium typical for this year — that premium reflects collector interest, scarcity and condition expectations.

Where to buy or sell

Vintage Sovereigns trade through specialist UK coin dealers (Spink, Baldwin's, Sovereign Rarities) and major bullion dealers (BullionByPost, Atkinsons, Chards). Auction houses (Spink, Heritage) handle the rarest pieces. Always compare quotes — premiums on key-date Sovereigns vary widely between dealers and auction venues.

CGT and tax

All UK Sovereigns are legal tender and therefore CGT-free for UK residents, regardless of year. Read the CGT-free coins guide →

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