1919 King George V Perth Mint Gold Sovereign – 22ct Gold

The 1919 King George V Gold Sovereign is a historic British Empire gold coin struck at the Perth branch of the Royal Mint in Western Australia in the immediate post–First World War period. 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 George V sovereign series (1911–1932), one of the most widely collected and globally recognised gold coin programs.

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, a long-standing symbol of British sovereign coinage since 1817. The small “P” mintmark beneath the ground line identifies this coin as a Perth Mint issue, linking it directly to Australia’s historic role in supplying gold coinage to the British Empire.

The 1919 Perth Mint Sovereign is particularly notable as the first post-war issue following the end of World War I. While it was struck in relatively large numbers, significant quantities were later exported or melted, contributing to reduced availability in higher grades and ongoing collector demand.