British Gold Sovereign Appraisal

1898 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign

This is a British gold sovereign coin minted in 1898, featuring the 'Old Head' or 'Veiled Head' portrait of Queen Victoria. The obverse displays the mature bust of the Queen facing left, wearing a coronet and a lace veil, with the inscription 'VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP' around the perimeter. Struck in 22-carat gold (91.67% purity), the coin typically measures approximately 22mm in diameter and weighs 7.98 grams. The craftsmanship exhibits the high-relief minting characteristic of late 19th-century Royal Mint productions. This specific example shows a warm, reddish-gold patina with some surface luster remaining. Visible condition details include minor bag marks and light circulation wear consistent with an Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU) grade. The milling on the edge appears intact and sharp. These coins were designed by Thomas Brock (obverse) and usually feature the iconic Benedetto Pistrucci rendition of Saint George and the Dragon on the reverse. The 1898 mintage is a classic representation of Victorian-era numismatics and serves as both a historical artifact and a precious metal investment piece.