sovereign Archives - Page 2 of 3

Benedetto Pistrucci – The Man Behind The Design

Posted on April 28, 2021September 7, 2023 by Richard Costello

Benedetto Pistrucci St George and the Dragon Coin

There is a myriad of designs that adorn coins all over the world. From shields and floral wreaths, to coats of arms and cyphers. But one particular design, many believe, stands head and shoulders above the rest. The design is that of St George and the Dragon – on the reverse of the sovereign of King George III created in 1817. But what of its designer, Benedetto Pistrucci? Here, we take a brief look back at his life, from his early years, growing up and being educated in Rome, to his time at the Royal Mint and the creation of this iconic design.

Una and the Lion – The World’s Most Beautiful Coin?

Posted on November 17, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Storytelling through coins, is one of the most significant ways historical events are recalled, for the simple reason that currency is a constant that has always been around in one form or another. It has adapted, changed and transformed, but it is always there telling a story of history…

There’s one coin in particular though that holds more meaning and beauty than any other, blending fact and fiction to produce what can only be described by many as the world’s most beautiful coin. Una and the Lion.

The 2020 Pre-Decimal 50th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range

Posted on September 21, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

The 2020 Pre-decimal 50th Anniversary Gold One-Eighth Sovereign Banner

In 1970, the last ever pre-decimal coins were struck. Pre-Decimal coinage is however very much still heard and seen today, despite there being many younger generations who have only ever known ‘Decimal’ currency of pounds and pence, missing out on centuries of history and tradition.

Decimalisation, or Decimal Day as it is most known, occurred in 1971 after the pre-decimal system was deemed too complicated with pounds, shillings and pence. Initially, the plan was to make the new decimal currency into cents and dollars (known more in the USA), but this was reconsidered, and pounds and pence were the chosen coinage.

Everything you need to know about the Troopship MV Royal Daffodil

Posted on August 17, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Our 2020 Dunkirk 80th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range commemorates the remarkable rescue of Allied troops from the beaches of Northern France, sometimes known as ‘Operation Dynamo’.

The Gold Quarter Sovereign in particular, features a design that pays tribute to the MV Royal Daffodil, a passenger vessel that undertook no fewer than seven trips to the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940 and rescued up to 9,500 troops. On the final trip, a bomb went right through her hull and exploded beneath her; the hole was plugged with a mattress and she made it home. After the War she was refitted and proudly bore a plaque that commemorated her as a ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’.

We are taking a closer look at the Troopship Royal Daffodil and everything you need to know.

Ask the Expert – Peter Hutchison – Q&A

Posted on July 10, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Here at Hattons of London, we pride ourselves on being coin experts. That’s why we decided to introduce our ‘Ask the Expert’ series , with our own Heritage Coin expert, Peter Hutchison. Peter has years of experience in the coin industry, residing in Australia but having a strong interest in British coinage in particular. Every week he’s answering a different question on on of the greatest sovereigns in the world. Today however, we’re talking to Peter about how his interest in heritage coins began, and what his favourite coins are.

The History of the Gold Sovereign

Posted on June 1, 2020September 7, 2023 by Richard Costello

With the Gold Sovereign being one of the most sought after coins, for its sheer beauty and resilience, we thought this was the perfect time to delve a little deeper into the history of the sovereign, looking at where it first began and how it has become what we know today.