The 1849 Victoria Sovereign is a London Sovereign from Queen Victoria’s Young Head period. It is a pre-decimal £1 gold coin, now a collectible rather than current spending money.
1849 Sovereign specifications
Royal Mint specifications list a circulating-quality 22-carat gold Sovereign weighing 7.98 grams and measuring 22.05 millimetres. Specialist references record 1,755,399 for the 1849 London issue. Cite the catalogue used because counting conventions can differ.
The obverse is the Young Head portrait by William Wyon. The reverse is Jean Baptiste Merlen’s crowned shield design. Do not substitute the Pistrucci St George and the dragon reverse from another Sovereign type.
How much is it worth?
Value depends on authenticity, grade, surface quality, edge, provenance and any variety. Die cracks or doubled features should not be treated as valuable errors without recognised attribution.
Do not rely on bullion calculations, old listings or dealer prices as collector value. Compare recent completed sales of the same date, type and grade. Never clean the coin. Use an inert holder and seek specialist advice for an unusual or damaged piece.