1918 King George V India Mint Gold Sovereign – 22ct Gold

The 1918 King George V Gold Sovereign is a historic British Empire gold coin struck at the Bombay branch of the Royal Mint in India during the final year of the First World War. Produced in 22 carat (.9167 fine) gold, this sovereign weighs 7.98 grams and contains approximately 7.322 grams (0.2354 troy ounces) of pure gold. It forms part of the globally recognised George V sovereign series (1911–1932), which includes issues from London, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

The obverse features the left-facing portrait of King George V, designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal. The reverse displays Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St. George and the Dragon design, used on sovereigns since 1817. The distinctive “I” mintmark beneath the ground line identifies this coin as a Bombay (India Mint) issue, struck at the short-lived Indian branch of the Royal Mint.

The 1918 India Mint Sovereign is especially significant as it was struck for only a brief period during wartime logistics, when gold transport to London was disrupted and alternative minting locations were established within the British Empire. As a result, it is a one-year mint issue from India, making it particularly interesting to collectors of Commonwealth sovereigns.