Gold Sovereign (Sydney Mint) Victoria Young Head (Shield Back) Gold Coin MS61MGC

The obverse displays the young head portrait design of the queen Victoria. This design was realised by the engraver William Wyon and its initials WW are visible in the inferior part of the neck. The initial are either incuse or in relief (for years 1853 to 1855). The portrait is surrounded by the initials ” VICTORIA DEI GRATIA “. This design is also known as the Young Head or Bun Head portrait.

The reverse displays a shield with the symbol of Great Britain. The die number (for London Mint), or the mint mark is located above the rose (below the shield), at the bottom of the coin. The shield is topped by a crown. This design was realised by Jean Baptiste Merlen. The legend ” BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID:DEF: ” is displayed in the border of the coin.

This coin is from the Sydney Mint and was the final year the young portrait with the shield reverse was used. Graded MS61.

It exists three types of gold sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back:

• Type 1: from London Mint, all have a die number below the shield on the reverse (above the rose). Designers initials WW are in relief on the truncation of the neck.
• Type 2: from Sydney Mint, similar to those from London Mint, except for the reverse, where the “S” mint mark is displayed instead of the die number. Designers initials W.W are in relief on the truncation of the neck.
• Type 3: from Sydney Mint, similar to those from London Mint, except for the reverse, where the “S” mint mark is displayed instead of the die number. Designers initials W.W are in relief on the truncation of the neck.