The Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign of 1957 – The first sovereign of Britain’s most remarkable monarch
7.98 Grams of 22ct Gold
With the provisions of post-war austerity still in force in 1953, no gold coins were issued for Her Majesty’s coronation.
It was not until the year 1957 that the first gold sovereigns were struck with our new monarch’s portrait.
The 1957 gold sovereign is a type that was only issued for one year as it features a finely milled edge with 168 grains (ridges), whereas all other issues of Queen Elizabeth II have just 108 grains.
Coupled with the fact that this is also the very first year of the Queen’s gold sovereign and the first sovereign minted in the UK but not in London. The 1957 Sovereign was minted at the new Royal Mint site at Llantrisant Wales, it is easy to see why this coin is so important and sought-after: it is a vital first year British gold sovereign issue.
Coin design
Obverse - Mary Gillick
Reverse - Benedetto Pistrucci
Specifications:
| Fineness | 0.9167 (7.3224 Gold content) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.05 mm |
| Alloy | 22 carat gold |
| Reverse Designer | Benedetto Pistrucci |
| Obverse Designer | Mary Gillick |
| Packaging | Supplied in Lighthouse Coin Capsule |
| Minted | Llantrisant Wales UK |
| Quality | Bullion |
| Coin Weight | 7.98 grams |
| Gold sovereign type | 1957 Gold Sovereign coin |
| Brand | Royal Mint |