Description
The first solid 22 carat gold Sovereign of its kind to commemorate the Battle of the Somme, incorporating genuine silver from original British coins minted in 1916.
In 2026, we mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the most devastating battles of the First World War. Fought from 1st July to 18th November 1916, the Somme came at an enormous human cost, with more than one million men killed, wounded or captured.
To honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, an exceptional new gold Sovereign has been created, incorporating genuine heritage silver recovered from original British coins minted in 1916, the very year of the battle.
Introducing The 2026 Battle of the Somme Gold Sovereign, a remarkable tribute to British military history, with a worldwide mintage of just 499 coins.
What makes this Sovereign so special?
- A remarkable world first: The first solid 22 carat gold Sovereign of its kind to commemorate the Battle of the Somme by incorporating silver recovered from original British coins minted in 1916.
- Struck in solid 22 carat gold: Containing 91.67% pure gold, with at least 1% genuine heritage silver from 1916 incorporated into the alloy.
- Distinguished Conduct Medal design: Features a representation of one of Britain’s most prestigious military gallantry awards, recognising exceptional courage and distinguished conduct in the field.
- Strictly limited worldwide mintage: Just 499 coins have been authorised for release worldwide.
- A fitting tribute to the Somme: A powerful battlefield design commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during one of the defining battles of the First World War.
Honouring extraordinary courage: The Distinguished Conduct Medal
The reverse of this remarkable Sovereign features a striking battlefield scene, with barbed wire and a shattered tree stump representing the devastation of the Somme.
In the foreground is a representation of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, one of Britain’s highest military decorations for gallantry.
Awarded for distinguished conduct in the field, the Distinguished Conduct Medal ranked second only to the Victoria Cross among gallantry awards for non-commissioned officers and men.
Its inclusion on this Sovereign serves as a poignant tribute to the extraordinary bravery displayed by British servicemen during the Battle of the Somme.
Genuine silver from 1916, a tangible connection to history
What makes this Sovereign particularly remarkable is not simply its design, but the precious metals from which it has been struck.
Traditionally, sovereigns contain 22 carats of gold, with the remaining two carats consisting of other metals to strengthen the coin.
For this historic anniversary issue, that alloy incorporates at least 1% genuine silver recovered from original British coins minted in 1916, creating an extraordinary physical connection to the year of the Battle of the Somme.
This unique composition means that the Sovereign commemorates the battle not only through its powerful design, but through the very material from which it is made.
More than a century after the guns fell silent, this exceptional gold Sovereign preserves a tangible link to 1916, honouring the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who fought.
Limited to just 499 worldwide
With a worldwide mintage of just 499 coins, The 2026 Battle of the Somme Gold Sovereign is one of the most exclusive individual denominations in this commemorative range.
Struck in solid 22 carat gold and incorporating historic silver from 1916, it brings together exceptional craftsmanship, military heritage and an important anniversary in British history.
Secure this remarkable tribute to the Battle of the Somme while availability remains.
Benefit from the SELL OUT GUARANTEE
The 2026 Battle of the Somme Sovereign is limited to just 499 coins, but this is subject to our new SELL OUT GUARANTEE. What this means is that availability of this coin will end on 28th February 2027. At that time, any coins that are unsold will be melted down and verified to that effect.
At that point, we will issue to owners of this coin a new certificate stating the final mintage which may be lower, or possibly considerably lower, than 499. If the mintage remains at 499 then this means the coins sold out entirely to keen customers, and if not you may have secured for yourself a low mintage rarity.
Either way, there will be little or no surplus of this coin on the secondary market and so the coin you own will be a rarity!
