The Royal Mint is proud to present the Sovereign of the Month: the George V 1916 Gold Sovereign, a distinguished coin that carries with it both the heritage of a turbulent era and the enduring artistry of British coinage. Struck in 22 carat gold, this sovereign bears the portrait of King George V by the renowned engraver Bertram Mackennal. The King is shown in regal profile, a portrait that defined the coinage of the early 20th century and reflected the stability of a monarch guiding his nation through a time of global conflict.

On the reverse, Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic depiction of St George slaying the dragon continues the timeless tradition that had been associated with the sovereign since 1817. The 1916 issue was minted during the height of the First World War, a year that saw coin production adapting to the significant demands of the war economy. As a result, surviving examples hold particular interest for collectors, not only for their beauty but also for their association with one of the defining periods of modern British history.

The George V sovereigns of this year were produced at several mints across the world, including London, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. Each carries identical designs but can often be distinguished by subtle mint marks, offering collectors the opportunity to trace the far-reaching story of the sovereign as it travelled across the Empire. The London issues, such as this example, are especially evocative, struck close to the heart of wartime Britain and embodying the resilience of the nation during 1916.

This 1916 sovereign captures a moment when traditional craftsmanship and national identity were powerfully bound together in gold. Its classic designs, historic context, and enduring quality make it a coin that speaks to the collector’s sense of both artistry and history—an object that, while small in size, is immense in story.