1876 Queen Victoria Young Head Melbourne Mint Gold Sovereign

1876 Queen Victoria “Young Head” Melbourne Mint Gold Sovereign

The 1876 Gold Sovereign, minted at the Royal Mint’s Melbourne branch and bearing Queen Victoria’s “Young Head” portrait, is an enduring emblem of British-Australian numismatic heritage. It’s part of the coveted sovereign series struck during her long reign and is prized for both its bullion content and classic design.

Obverse Design:

Features the youthful bust of Queen Victoria, facing left, with hair bound in a plain band a design by William Wyon (initialed “W.W.” on the truncation).

The legend reads: “VICTORIA D:G:BRITANNIAR:REG:F:D:” (“Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the British Territories, Defender of the Faith”), with the “M” mintmark below the bust indicating production at Melbourne.

Reverse Design:

Displays the timeless St. George and the Dragon depiction by Benedetto Pistrucci, with his initials “B.P.” present alongside the date “1876.”

Specifications:

Metal: 22-carat gold (91.67% Au)
Weight: 7.98 g

Diameter: 22.05 mm

Thickness: Approx. 1.52 mm

Edge: Milled (reeded)

Face Value: £1 (British Pound) — legal tender in the UK

Mint: Royal Mint, Melbourne branch (mintmark “M”)