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The Great Britain Gold Sovereign 1868 VF Die #31 is a significant and collectible coin that reflects the economic strength and imperial reach of Victorian-era Britain. The sovereign, a gold coin first introduced in 1489 under Henry VII and reintroduced for regular currency use in 1817 following the Great Recoinage, was a cornerstone of the British Empire’s monetary system throughout the 19th century. By the time Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, the sovereign had become one of the most widely circulated and trusted gold coins in the world. The 1868 sovereign falls within the “Young Head” portrait era and offers collectors not only historical context but also a well-preserved example of mid-Victorian numismatics. The presence of Die Number 31 on the coin adds a further layer of intrigue, providing insight into minting practices and production details at the time.
The obverse of the 1868 Gold Sovereign features the celebrated “Young Head” portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by William Wyon, then Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint. This depiction of the young monarch became one of the most enduring and admired portraits in British coinage, used on sovereigns from 1838 to 1887. In this design, Queen Victoria is shown facing left, wearing a braid bound with a ribbon and no crown. Her classical profile, inspired by Greco-Roman statuary, was meant to symbolize stability, youth, and authority. The legend “VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F:D:” encircles the bust, which translates to “Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.” Even in Very Fine condition, the detailing in her facial features and hair remains apparent, preserving the aesthetic quality of Wyon’s masterful work.
The reverse of the 1868 sovereign bears the heraldic design by Jean Baptiste Merlen, which features the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom within a crowned shield. The shield is quartered to represent the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and is surrounded by a laurel wreath bound with a ribbon. A small crown sits atop the shield, while the legend “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE” appears on the central garter—a motto of the Order of the Garter, meaning “Shame on him who thinks evil of it.” The year “1868” appears beneath the wreath. This reverse type was used on sovereigns until 1874, when the St. George and the Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci once again became standard. The Merlen shield reverse remains a distinctive and elegant feature of mid-Victorian sovereigns, appreciated by collectors for its rich heraldic detail.
The 1868 sovereign was minted at the Royal Mint in London, which was the principal production facility for British coinage at the time. The die number “31,” visible on the reverse just above the date or below the shield depending on the year and layout, was part of the Mint’s internal system for tracking and managing the life cycle of the dies used during production. These die numbers were employed sporadically between 1863 and 1874 and are of considerable interest to numismatists because they can offer clues about minting efficiency, die life, and potential die variety. Die number 31 places this particular coin within a specific run and adds a degree of rarity and collectibility for specialists who focus on die-numbered sovereigns from the Victorian period.
The mintage of the 1868 sovereign totaled 2,559,000 pieces, a modest figure compared to the larger outputs seen in some other years. Despite this, high-grade examples have become increasingly difficult to locate due to extensive circulation during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when gold sovereigns were used not only in Britain but throughout the Empire and in global commerce. Many coins were later melted for their gold content or worn down through regular use, which limits the surviving population of coins in collectible condition. Very Fine examples such as this one are especially sought after by collectors seeking an honest, circulated coin that still retains strong definition and character.
The coin’s condition is graded as Very Fine (VF), which indicates moderate wear consistent with circulation but with all major details still visible. On the obverse, Queen Victoria’s portrait retains most of the hairlines, facial contours, and ribbon definition, though some flattening on the highest points is evident. The reverse shield design remains clearly defined, with the central elements of the Royal Arms, the garter motto, and the laurel wreath all discernible. The legends on both sides are fully legible, and the date and die number are clearly struck. The fields exhibit normal signs of use, such as small contact marks or minor smoothing, but the coin’s integrity and attractiveness remain intact. For a 155-year-old circulating gold coin, the preservation in VF grade represents a solid balance between historical authenticity and aesthetic value.
The coin is composed of 22-karat gold, or .9167 fine, with a gross weight of 7.98 grams and a net gold content of 0.2354 troy ounces. This composition, standardized under the Coinage Act of 1816, gives the sovereign its recognizable warm hue and durability. The blend of gold with a small amount of copper allows for better resistance to wear during handling and circulation, one of the reasons sovereigns remained popular in both domestic use and as an international trade coin. Its precise dimensions and consistent gold content made it a trusted form of currency across the globe, accepted in financial transactions on nearly every continent during the height of the British Empire.
The 1868 sovereign Die #31 appeals to a wide range of collectors. For those focused on the Victorian era, it offers a compelling example of mid-reign coinage. For die variety enthusiasts, the numbered die adds an extra layer of challenge and documentation. For bullion-focused buyers, it provides historical gold content with a premium numismatic edge. Its design reflects a regal aesthetic, and its production method offers insight into 19th-century minting operations. Collectors appreciate the balanced proportions of the Wyon and Merlen designs and the coin’s seamless integration of national symbolism with practical currency function. It serves as both a monetary artifact and a work of miniature art, resonant with the history of its age.
The Great Britain Gold Sovereign 1868 VF Die #31 is a classic representation of British imperial coinage at the height of Queen Victoria’s reign. Its historical significance, elegant design, and connection to the Royal Mint’s die-tracking system make it a desirable piece for collectors of world gold, Victorian coinage, and 19th-century monetary history. Whether appreciated for its artistic merit, its documented die number, or its enduring value in fine gold, this coin offers a tangible link to an era when Britain’s currency helped shape global commerce and finance. Its state of preservation, authenticity, and relevance ensure its place as a standout among pre-20th-century sovereigns.