Sovereign Queen Victoria Old Head Gold Coin | 1893-1901

Sovereign Queen Victoria Old Head Gold Coin | 1893-1901

The Sovereign Queen Victoria Old Head, struck by The Royal Mint between 1893 and 1901, represents the twilight of the longest British reign of the 19th century and the final chapter of the Victorian era. Made from 22-carat gold (917/1000 fineness) with approximately 7.32 g of fine gold, these Sovereigns are among the rarest of the three Victoria portrait types — produced for only nine years before the Queen's death in 1901 — yet remain fully liquid on the European bullion market.

Specifications

• Issuing authority: The Royal Mint, United Kingdom
• Reign period: 1893-1901 (Victoria, Old Head / Veiled Head)
• Metal: Gold
• Fineness: 917/1000 (22-carat)
• Gross weight: 7.98 g
• Fine gold content: approx. 7.32 g
• Diameter: 22.05 mm
• Obverse: Old / Veiled Head portrait of Queen Victoria by Thomas Brock
• Reverse: St George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci

About the Old Head Victoria Sovereign

The Old Head — engraved by Thomas Brock — was introduced in 1893, showing Victoria in her later years wearing a widow's veil. The series ran for only nine years before Victoria's death in 1901, making the Old Head the shortest-lived and rarest of the three Victorian portrait types. For collectors building a complete Victorian Sovereign set, this is the final and most challenging piece. Despite an age of over 120 years, these coins are fully recognised and traded throughout Europe.

Why buy from GoldInvest24

• Individually examined for authenticity before every sale.
• VAT-exempt across the EU; CGT-exempt for UK-resident buyers.
• Insured, tracked delivery to Poland and all EU member states.
• Complete Victorian Sovereign trilogy available — browse all historic Sovereigns at GoldInvest24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Old Head considered the rarest Victorian Sovereign type? A: It was struck for only nine years (1893-1901) compared with nearly 50 years for the Young Head, resulting in lower total mintage and fewer surviving specimens in fine condition.

Q: Does the Old Head Sovereign contain the same gold as a modern Sovereign? A: Yes — approximately 7.32 g of fine gold at 917/1000, the standard unchanged since 1817.

Q: Is the Old Head Sovereign VAT-exempt in Poland? A: Yes. As investment-grade gold (fineness above 900/1000, legal tender), it is VAT-exempt under EU Directive 98/80/EC.