1918 Gold Sovereign Coin - George V - Rare: Perth Mint

1918 Gold Sovereign George V Coin – The Royal Mint

The 1918 Gold Sovereign featuring King George V is a remarkable piece of British numismatic history, struck by The Royal Mint at the height of the First World War. This coin represents a time of economic and political transformation, as sovereigns played a crucial role in international trade and financial stability.

The design of the 1918 Gold Sovereign maintains the classic St George and the Dragon engraving by Benedetto Pistrucci, a motif that has graced British sovereigns since 1817. On the obverse, the coin features the effigy of King George V, designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal, reflecting the strength and resilience of the British Empire during his reign (1910–1936).

As one of the last sovereigns struck before Britain moved off the gold standard in 1919, the 1918 issue is a sought-after coin among collectors and investors alike. Some were minted in London, while others were struck at overseas branches of The Royal Mint, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Bombay, Ottawa, and Pretoria, making mintmark variations highly desirable.

Coin Specifications

• Denomination: £1
• Alloy: 22-carat gold (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper)
• Weight: 7.98g (Minimum)
• Diameter: 22.05mm(Maximum)
• Obverse Designer: Sir Bertram Mackennal
• Reverse Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci
• Mintmarks: May vary depending on mint location (e.g., ‘I’ for India, ‘M’ for Melbourne, ‘S’ for Sydney and ‘P’ for Perth)
• This Coin: Has the ‘P’ (Perth) Mintmark. 

With its rich heritage and timeless appeal, the 1918 Gold Sovereign remains a prized addition to any collection, embodying both history and investment value.