Description
Most people alive today have known only two British monarchs, Queen Elizabeth II and her son, and successor, King Charles III. This two coin set brings together the very first gold sovereigns of each monarch’s reign, from the years 1957 and 2022.
The gold sovereign has a very close association with the monarchy – it is after all, named after the monarch itself (‘sovereign’). This was done by King Henry VII (Henry Tudor) who was the first to produce the sovereign coin in the year 1489 and wanted it to signal the majesty and magnificence of his kingdom.
The modern sovereign has been produced since the year 1817 and King Charles III is the ninth monarch to have his portrait appear on it. In fact, every crowned monarch as far back as King George III has had his or her portrait appear on British sovereigns.
Of the many gold sovereigns produced in more than 200 years, among the most significant are the ‘firsts’ – that is, the very first sovereigns issued of a particular design. The two coins in this set, being both one-year-only designs, and also the very first of a monarch, are among the most significant of all.
THE FIRST SOVEREIGN of QUEEN ELIZABETH II
The GOLD SOVEREIGN of 1957 with the one-year-only edge milling
When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952 there were still wartime restrictions on gold ownership in place. No British gold coins were produced until the year 1957 when the first sovereign of the reign was produced, largely for the international gold market.
This sovereign of 1957 depicts the young queen on one side (she was just 25 years old when she became monarch) in a portrait by Mary Gillick. On the reverse side is St George and the dragon.
This first coin of 1957 has edge milling (ridges) that is very close together. This different edge milling only ever featured on this one sovereign issue making it not only a first, but also a one-year type that all collectors need to own.
 THE FIRST SOVEREIGN of King Charles III
The GOLD SOVEREIGN of 2022 with a one-year-only design
Among the first of Britain’s coins to feature the portrait of the new King Charles III was the gold sovereign. This coin, released with the 2022 date, was released in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
The reverse features Jody Clark’s skillful depiction of the Royal Arms, a fitting way to honour The Late Queen’s lifetime of service. This design will only feature on this one sovereign issue making it not only a first, but also a one-year type that all collectors need to own.
On the obverse is the new coinage portrait of His Majesty The King by British sculptor Martin Jennings.
