1886 S Australia Queen Victoria Young Head Shield Half Sovereign Gold Coin

Product Description:

Produced between 1871 and 1887 at The Royal Mint branches in Sydney and Melbourne, Shield type Sovereigns radiate an extraordinary beauty. This variety of sovereigns, which had previously been minted exclusively in the UK, gained a unique distinction when the Australian mint branches became the sole Royal Mint branch worldwide permitted to craft these exquisite coins. This set them apart from all other colonial mints, which exclusively produced St. George Reverse Coins.

The Queen Victoria young head type marked the final chapter in the usage of the shield reverse, with all subsequent sovereigns issued in Australia proudly featuring the iconic St. George on Horseback. This distinctiveness renders this particular Australian type highly sought after.

In the chronicles of Gold Sovereigns, the Shield reverse was only minted in Australia between 1871 and 1887, in stark contrast to the more prevalent St. George and the Dragon design. These coins are growing increasingly scarce, given their limited production over a few short years, however assembling a complete collection of Sydney and Melbourne Shield reverse types is notably more attainable compared to nearly any other period due to fewer dates minted in this series.

Obverse: Queen Victoria Young head

Reverse: mint mark below crowned shield coat of arms.