King George Half Sovereign Coins - A Glimpse into Royal Heritage
The British half sovereign represents one of the world’s most enduring and recognizable gold coins, with a rich history spanning over two centuries. Among the monarchs whose portraits have graced these compact yet valuable gold pieces, the Kings George hold a special place. Four different King Georges—George III, George IV, George V, and George VI—have had their effigies struck on half sovereigns, each representing distinct eras in British and world history.
The Half Sovereign’s Royal Heritage
The half sovereign was first introduced as part of a major coinage reform in 1817 during the reign of George III. With a diameter of approximately 19.30mm and containing 3.66g of pure gold (0.1177 troy ounces), these coins were designed to serve as a practical denomination for everyday commerce while maintaining intrinsic value through their gold content.
Over the following two centuries, the half sovereign would witness the expansion and eventual contraction of the British Empire, the industrial revolution, two world wars, and the end of the gold standard. Throughout these monumental changes, the portraits of four King Georges would adorn these beloved gold coins.
FAQs
Which Kings George appeared on half sovereigns? 
Four Kings George have had their portraits on half sovereigns:
- George III (1817-1820) – The first modern half sovereigns
- George IV (1821-1830) – Both laureate head and bare head designs
- George V (1911-1925) – The last widely circulated half sovereigns
- George VI (1937 only) – Limited proof issues for his coronation
How do I know if I have a full or half sovereign?
There are a few ways to tell if you have a full or half sovereign:
- Size and weight: A full sovereign has a diameter of 22.05 mm and a weight of 7.98 grams. A half sovereign has a diameter of 19.30 mm and a weight of 3.99 grams.
- Design: The design of a full and half sovereign is the same, but the half sovereign will be slightly smaller. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of the monarch, while the reverse features a depiction of St George slaying the dragon.
- Mintmark: The mintmark on a half sovereign will be located on the reverse of the coin, below the date.
Why did half sovereign production end during George V’s reign?
World War I fundamentally changed Britain’s currency system. When war broke out in 1914, the British government asked citizens to exchange gold coins for paper currency to bolster gold reserves. Although production continued briefly for reserves and international trade, by 1915, half sovereigns were no longer being produced for general circulation in Britain.
Were King George half sovereigns used outside of Britain?
Yes, half sovereigns circulated throughout the British Empire, which at its height covered approximately one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface. They were legal tender in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, and numerous colonies across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
What make the King George half soverign special?
King George half sovereigns are highly valued by numismatics (coin collectors) for a number of reasons. First, they are well-made coins with a beautiful design. Second, they are a symbol of British history and culture. Third, they are a good investment, as gold is a valuable commodity.
The King George half sovereign is also the last gold sovereign that was in actual circulation before the end of the gold standard in Britain in 1931. This makes them even more desirable to collectors and investors alike.
In addition to the half sovereign, there were a number of other King George coins minted, including the sovereign, the quarter sovereign, and the crown. These coins are also popular with collectors, but they are less common than the sovereign.
What was the purchasing power of a half sovereign during these periods?
The purchasing power varied across the different reigns:
- During George III/IV (early 19th century): A half sovereign represented approximately two weeks’ wages for an agricultural laborer
- During George V (early 20th century): A half sovereign represented approximately one week’s wages for an agricultural laborer
- Modern equivalent: Based on historical purchasing power, a half sovereign from these eras would represent roughly $200-$350 in today’s currency
