King George

The sovereign coins bearing the portraits of the Kings George represent a remarkable thread through British numismatic history, spanning from the coin’s modern introduction in 1817 to the mid-20th century. These magnificent gold pieces, featuring four different monarchs named George—George III, George IV, George V, and George VI—chronicle the evolution of British coinage through periods of imperial expansion, economic transformation, and global conflict.

From the post-Napoleonic era of George III to the post-World War II period of George VI, these sovereigns offer a tangible connection to Britain’s royal and economic history. Each monarch’s coinage reflects the artistic styles, technical capabilities, and historical circumstances of their respective eras.

George III (1760-1820, Sovereigns 1817-1820)

The modern sovereign story begins in the final years of George III’s long reign:

• Introduced in 1817 as part of the “Great Recoinage” following the Napoleonic Wars
• Established the specifications still used today: 7.98 grams of 22-carat gold
• Produced for only four years before George III’s death
• Represented a critical economic reform replacing the guinea with a coin valued at exactly one pound

George IV (1820-1830, Sovereigns 1821-1830)

As Prince Regent during his father’s illness and then as king, George IV continued the sovereign tradition:

• Initial issues (1821-1825) featured a laureate head portrait
• Later issues (1825-1830) introduced a bare head portrait and shield reverse
• Sovereigns were minted throughout his reign, except for 1822
• Established the sovereign as a primary circulating denomination

George V (1910-1936, Sovereigns 1911-1932)

After the reigns of William IV, Victoria, and Edward VII, the sovereign tradition continued under George V:

• Initial production (1911-1914) coincided with the height of British imperial power
• World War I fundamentally changed sovereign production and circulation
• Post-war sovereigns were primarily struck for international trade
• The 1925 London sovereign became famous for its rarity
• Colonial mints in Australia and South Africa continued production through 1932
• The abandonment of the gold standard in 1931 effectively ended regular sovereign production

George VI (1936-1952, Sovereigns 1937, 1949-1952)

Following Edward VIII’s abdication, George VI’s sovereign story is quite different:

• Only proof sovereigns were issued for 1937 to commemorate his coronation
• Post-war issues of 1949-1952 surprisingly continued to use George V’s portrait
• Represented the transition from circulation gold to commemorative issues
• Marked the end of the sovereign as a regular production coin until Elizabeth II’s reign