It’s Sovereign time again at the Royal Mint and we’re fortunate enough to be in one of those very rare years when the coin design reverts away from the reproduction of Benedetto Pistrucci’s ultra-iconic design from the 1821 original. Why 1821 when the 200th anniversary is in 2017? Because the Pistrucci design on todays Sovereign isn’t the first. Between 1817 and 1821, a slightly different design was used and this new coin celebrates that one.

While the Sovereign as a coin first launched back in 1489, issued under King Henry VII, it was in 1817 that it reappeared under King George III. The Pistrucci design is much like the one we all know, but with some distinct differences. Bordering the design on a belt are the word “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, which translates as “Evil unto him who thinks evil of it”. In his hand, instead of a sword, St.George holds a broken spear. There are some other minor tweaks, but those are the main two differences.

What you prefer is a matter of personal opinion, but it’s great to see this beautiful design back and available to buy. The usual mix of 22kt gold coins are here again. There’s the Five Sovereign, Double Sovereign, the standard Sovereign, the Half Sovereign and the Quarter Sovereign. Weights range from just under 40 grams to just under 2 grams. The obverse carries the latest effigy by Jody Clark of the current monarch.

The coins are available in various ways. There’s a selection of three sets, one of which is the only way to get the Five-Sovereign coin. The three smaller coins are also available individually, the others available in one of the sets on offer which range from £750.00 up to £3,295.00. All are in the high-quality polished wood box that the Royal Mint uses regularly, and all contain a Certificate of Authenticity. Up for pre-order now, just click the banner at the bottom of the article to head on over to the shop.

The Royal Mint has launched The Sovereign 2017 collection to mark the 200th anniversary of the world famous coin which was reborn in 1817. Following on from the sell-out of the 2016 Sovereign, this year’s collection is expected to be particularly well received.

While The Sovereign’s full story is more than five centuries old, it was subject to a lengthy pause after production ceased early in the 17^th Century, during the reign of James I. But then, 200 years ago, as part of a great reform of UK coinage undertaken after the Napoleonic Wars the Sovereign was born again, setting new gold standards for accuracy and beauty that defined a currency.

While the Sovereign’s full story is more than five centuries old, it was subject to a lengthy pause after production ceased early in the 17th Century, during the reign of James I. But then, 200 years ago, as part of a great reform of UK coinage undertaken after the Napoleonic Wars the Sovereign was born again, setting new gold standards for accuracy and beauty that defined a currency.

It went on to become known as ‘the chief coin of the world’ during the 19th century and, while its role has changed over the years that followed, it maintains a global reputation for accuracy, integrity and beautiful design, traded widely on the global bullion markets and coveted by collectors.

A large part of The Sovereign’s charm and reputation is built on its iconic design; Benedetto Pistrucci’s neo-classical interpretation of St George and the Dragon. First introduced in 1817, it has remained a constant throughout the Sovereign’s evolving story, appearing on the majority of annual issues since its debut and more recently only replaced on very rare occasion. For this 200th anniversary in 2017, we return to Pistrucci’s original ‘garter’ design, struck with tools that were carefully re-mastered from the 1817 originals.

In the early eighteenth century the effects of the Napoleonic Wars and a shortage of silver meant that the United Kingdom’s circulating coinage was in poor condition. The re-coinage and exchange of 1816-17 would transform the nation’s coins, and it meant greater scrutiny and efficiency than ever before. The Royal Mint had moved to a new location in Tower Hill, equipped to meet the new demands with modern steam-powered machinery.

Alongside this activity, legislation would formalise the Gold Standard, setting out the coins to be produced, and the standard to which they would be struck. One key change was to reinstate the 20-shilling piece but this time the coin of 20 shillings would be known as the pound, or Sovereign. Circulated alongside the 21-shilling gold guinea for a time, it was essential that The Sovereign was distinctive enough from the existing gold coin.

The reverse design chosen was the instantly recognisable St George and the dragon created by Benedetto Pistrucci, now acknowledged across the world as a masterpiece. While The Sovereign has deviated from the iconic St George at times, it always returns to this 200-year-old design.

Benedetto Pistrucci came to London in 1815 under the patronage of the Prince Regent. He was relatively unknown in Britain but his reputation attracted interest and he quickly found sponsors and supporters of his work. Soon after his arrival, his engraver’s talent was recognised, as he was given the prestigious task of creating the designs for the new gold and silver coins of George III.

Pistrucci’s St George and the dragon design has become synonymous with The Sovereign. He created an interpretation that defied the medieval image of St George, instead opting for a Greek interpretation, bare and muscular, not weighed down with the usual chain mail and armour.

The original inscription created for The Sovereign when it was revived in 1817 has been revisited for this celebratory, anniversary edition of The Sovereign for 2017. The Latin, ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ meaning ‘Evil unto him that thinks evil of it’ is a phrase that has featured on the coat of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom for centuries.