1871-1887 S Australia Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head (Avg Circ)

The 1871–1887 South Australia Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head offers collectors and investors alike the chance to hold a genuine artifact from the height of the British Empire and Australia’s gold rush era. Struck in .9167 fine gold (22 karats) with a total weight of 7.98 grams (0.2354 troy oz AGW), these sovereigns circulated widely throughout the Empire and remain one of the most iconic forms of British colonial gold coinage. Each piece is offered in Average Circulated condition, carrying with it the marks of history while preserving its bullion and collectible value.

The Gold Sovereign has been a cornerstone of British coinage since 1817, representing both wealth and imperial stability. Following the discovery of gold in Australia, the Sydney Mint opened in 1855—the first Royal Mint branch established outside of London. From 1871 onward, Sydney struck sovereigns with the Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the Shield reverse design, cementing their importance as both local colonial coinage and imperial currency.

These sovereigns played a key role in international trade, trusted globally for their consistent weight and purity. Today, they stand as reminders of Victorian influence and Australia’s emergence as a major source of world gold.

• Contains 0.2354 troy oz of .9167 fine gold
• Issued between 1871–1887
• Minted at the Sydney branch of the Royal Mint
• Denomination: 1 Sovereign
• Average Circulated condition
• Obverse: Portrait of a youthful Queen Victoria, styled with regal detail, surrounded by inscriptions of her title.
• Reverse: The Shield reverse design, representing the United Kingdom’s heraldry, with denomination and date of issue below. Some may also feature St. George slaying the dragon, depending on issue