1879 Victoria Gold Full Sovereign Melbourne Mint Coin

Young Head Portrait With 'M' Mintmark

These Melbourne mint coins feature a variation of William Wyon's Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse with the addition of an 'M' mintmark below the bust. The inscription reads 'VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:'. 

Classic Gold Sovereign Reverse Design

Benedetto Pistrucci's instantly recognisable St George and the dragon design features on the reverse of these coins. The date (1879) is shown below with the artist's 'B.P.' initials to the right.

What Are Sovereigns Made Out Of?

Genuine 'full' Sovereigns are made from 22-carat gold, regardless of whether they were struck in London or at a branch mint. These coins measure just over 22 millimetres in diameter and should weigh approximately 7.98 grams.

How Many 1879-M Sovereigns Were Minted?

The recorded mintage for 1879 Melbourne mint Sovereigns is 2,740,594. While in some years, coins with a shield reverse were also issued, only Saint George coins were struck in 1879.

Buying Historic Branch Mint Sovereigns

Collecting Sovereigns from the Melbourne mint is a rewarding endeavour, particularly the issues of the 1870s and 1880s which are richly varied, providing a challenge to any numismatist who wants to complete a full set. An 1879 date is a key acquisition and ours are ready to add to your Sovereign collection.

Browse the range: Melbourne Mint Gold Sovereigns