Young Head 'St. George'

Queen Victoria Young Head Sovereigns represent the first and longest-running sovereign design of Victoria’s remarkable 63-year reign. First introduced in 1838 following Victoria’s accession to the throne at age 18, these elegant gold coins would continue to be produced with the same youthful portrait for nearly five decades, until 1887. This unprecedented consistency created one of the most recognisable and beloved coin designs in British numismatic history.

The Young Head sovereign design spans numerous historical developments – from the early Victorian period through the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of the British Empire, and into the late 19th century. Their enduring design and widespread circulation make them both historically significant and increasingly sought after by collectors and investors worldwide.

When the Young Head sovereigns first appeared, Victoria was a young queen at the beginning of a transformative reign. The period covered by the Young Head design (1838-1887) witnessed extraordinary developments:

• The height of the Industrial Revolution transforming Britain’s economy and society
• The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcasing Britain’s industrial might
• Rapid colonial expansion establishing the largest empire in history
• The Crimean War (1853-1856) against Russia
• The American Civil War (1861-1865) affecting global cotton supplies
• The gold rushes in California, Australia, and South Africa
• The establishment of the telegraph and railways revolutionising communication and transport
• The beginning of Britain’s Victorian golden age of literature, science, and technology

These coins circulated during this pivotal period when Britain established itself as the world’s leading economic, industrial, and imperial power – a position reflected in the widespread acceptance of British gold coinage as a global standard.

The Obverse: The Young Queen

The obverse features William Wyon’s iconic “Young Head” portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, widely considered one of the most beautiful coin portraits ever created. This classically-inspired design shows Victoria with her hair in a simple bun secured by a bandeau, giving her a dignified yet youthful appearance.

The portrait is surrounded by the legend “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA” (Victoria by the Grace of God) with the date below. Wyon’s initials “W.W.” appear on the truncation of the neck on most issues.

Two main varieties of the Young Head portrait exist:

1. First Young Head (1838-1887): The initial portrait with slightly wider face
2. Second Young Head (1887 only): A modified portrait with more refined features

The Reverse: St. George Reverse (1871-1887)

• Features Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic St. George slaying the dragon design
• St. George mounted on horseback with flowing drapery
• Dragon beneath, being slain with a short sword
• Ground line below with the date
• Beginning in the 1870s, this design gradually replaced the shield reverse

The simultaneous production of both reverse designs during the 1871-1887 period creates interesting collecting opportunities.