Sovereign bullion coin launched for the 200th anniversary year of Pistrucci’s design.

It’s no surprise that a Sovereign gold bullion coin would appear from the Royal Mint this year, it’s a regular occurance, but with the 200th anniversary of Benedetto Pistrucci’s ultra-iconic St. George and the Dragon design, the expectation was that the proof design (where you can read more about the changes) would adorn this one as well. It isn’t to be.

The design that we’re familiar with on the Sovereign is actually a copy of the tweaked 1821 version of the original 1817 coin. The 2017 proof Sovereign coins took the original 1817 look for their inspiration, and fittingly so. Despite the fact the 2012, 2005 and 2002 design changes in the Sovereign applied equally to both the proof and bullion variants, that’s proven not to be the case this year. Instead, we get the same 1821 artwork, except with the addition of a small 200th anniversary privy mark at the bottom on the reverse face.

It’s a disappointing development in such a landmark anniversary year, especially with the proof variants carrying such a high premium, but at least the privy mark goes some way to distinguishing the 2017 coin from previous years. For those that buy Sovereigns for the sole purpose of stacking gold, it won’t really matter, but we’d imagine collectors will consider it a shame the mint hasn’t used the 1817 design, all the more so considering that’s what this coin is supposed to be celebrating.

The Royal Mint has launched its Sovereign 2017 Gold Bullion Coins – The Sovereign and The Half-Sovereign – after another successful year for The Royal Mint’s flagship coin.

Chris Howard, The Royal Mint’s Director of Bullion, said “As The Royal Mint’s flagship coin, the bullion Sovereign has continued to be a compelling choice for bullion investors. The 2016 edition has enjoyed steady growth throughout this year in both GP and units sold.”

The Sovereign range is the flagship coin of The Royal Mint’s ‘complete bullion investment solution’ portfolio, developed in response to the growing global bullion market and many investors seeking to purchase investor grade precious metal coins.

A statement of wealth and power and a living link to Britain’s past, The Sovereign has a reputation as the chief coin of the world, struck in the name of the monarchy in 916.7 fine gold. The bullion Sovereign coin for 2017 features Benedetto Pistrucci’s original St George and the dragon design, with the addition of a privy mark on the reverse placed beneath the dragon, to acknowledge the design’s 200-year anniversary on the coin.

The Sovereign, The Royal Mint’s flagship gold bullion coin, is available now for 2017, and maintains its reputation as one of the most tightly specified coin in the world, guaranteed by the 1971 Coinage Act and independently verified every year at the Trial of the Pyx.

First struck over 500 years ago in 1489 under the rule of Henry VII, it is one of the oldest coins still produced today, and still bears the instantly recognisable St George and the dragon design by Royal Mint engraver Benedetto Pistrucci first introduced in 1817. The Sovereign offers unmatched levels of history and symbolism, and as such has become an internationally recognised symbol of unrivalled accuracy, integrity and strength.