1931 King George V Melbourne Mint Gold Sovereign – 22ct Gold

The 1931 King George V Gold Sovereign is a historic British Empire gold coin struck at the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint in Australia during the final year of sovereign production at that mint. 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 represents one of the final issues of the George V sovereign series (1911–1932), which remains one of the most widely collected and internationally recognised gold coin programs.

The obverse features the “small head” left-facing portrait of King George V designed by Sir Bertram Mackennal, used on late-series sovereigns from 1929–1931. The reverse displays Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St. George and the Dragon design. The “M” mintmark above the date identifies this coin as a Melbourne Mint issue, one of the three branch mints still producing sovereigns in 1931.

The 1931 Melbourne Mint Sovereign is especially significant as it comes from the final year of sovereign production at Melbourne. This issue has a relatively low mintage compared with other branch mints in the same year, making it more desirable to collectors, particularly in higher grades where survival is more limited.