Fitzroy Bullion
1850 Gold Full Sovereign Victoria London Mint 7.98g of 22ct Gold AU Grade
1850 Gold Full Sovereign Victoria London Mint 7.98g of 22ct Gold AU Grade
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The 1850 gold sovereign is the third date for the Queen Victoria "second head" shield sovereign. This is second type of Victoria sovereign was issued from 1848 to 1872, has a slightly larger head in lower relief, and the reverse legends are repositioned. We find this coin quite difficult to find, especially in high grade.
Obverse
Designed by William Wyon, Chief Engraver, the obverse features the second (large) young head portrait facing left of the young Queen at just 18 years old. This larger bust fills more of the area of the coin and shows Victoria's hair held by a double fillet and gathered into a loosely knotted bun. The initials W.W. are set in relief in the rear of the truncation.
The inscription reads
VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
and the date (1850) appears below the portrait.
Reverse
The reverse of the 1850 sovereign was designed by engraver, Jean Baptiste Merlen. It features the shield design,which is mounted by a crown. It also has a branch of laurel leaves on either side. The branches are tied, with a ribbon in a bow, below the shield.
Beneath this, the reverse displays the thistle, rose and shamrock (symbolising the unity of Scotland, England and Ireland) with a small flower stop on each side.
The inscription reads
BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:
completing the monarch's legend, which begins on the obverse.
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