Struck in the early years of George V’s reign, the 1911 Gold Sovereign stands as an enduring symbol of continuity within the long and distinguished history of British coinage. Minted at a time when the Sovereign was still circulating freely across the world, its design represents both the refinement of Edwardian artistry and the assurance of Britain’s pre‑war stability.

The obverse features the crowned portrait of King George V by Bertram Mackennal, an Australian‑born sculptor whose work was admired for its clarity and classical restraint. The legend surrounding the portrait expresses his titles in Latin, underscoring his role as monarch of a vast and united empire.

The reverse bears Benedetto Pistrucci’s celebrated depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon, an enduring emblem of courage and triumph first engraved for the Sovereign at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The detail and balance of Pistrucci’s design remain as captivating as when it first appeared, harmonising artistic beauty with timeless symbolism.

Struck in 22 carat gold to the exacting standards maintained by The Royal Mint, the 1911 Sovereign carries a nominal weight of 7.98 grams and a diameter of 22.05 millimetres. Each piece reflects the skill and precision of Royal Mint craftsmanship from the beginning of George V’s reign, a reign that would see the Sovereign serve both in domestic circulation and as the trusted standard of trade across the world.

Highly regarded by collectors today, the 1911 issue marks the first Sovereign struck under George V and one of the last to be issued before the Great War brought an end to the coin’s regular use in everyday commerce. As such, it captures a poignant moment in modern British history when artistry, monarch, and empire were all united within a single coin of gold.