1918 George V India Mint Gold Sovereign

1918 George V India Mint Gold Sovereign

The 1918 George V India Mint Gold Sovereign is a historically significant British Empire gold coin struck at the Bombay branch of The Royal Mint during the final year of the First World War. Produced in 22-carat gold, the sovereign weighs approximately 7.98 grams and contains 0.2354 troy ounces of pure gold.

The obverse features the left-facing portrait of King George V by Australian sculptor Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal. The reverse carries Benedetto Pistrucci’s celebrated St George and the Dragon design, with the date 1918 below. A small ‘I’ mintmark positioned on the ground line identifies the coin as an India issue struck in Bombay.

The Bombay branch was established during the First World War after difficulties transporting South African gold safely to Britain. Sovereign production began there in August 1918, with 1,294,372 coins struck before the short-lived branch ceased production. The 1918 issue therefore represents the only year in which traditional George V Sovereigns were struck in India.

This is a pre-owned and ungraded historic coin, and signs of age, circulation and previous handling may be present. Its one-year mint origin, wartime history and recognised sovereign gold content give it particular interest to collectors of British Empire and branch-mint sovereigns.