George III Sovereign Series
Introduction
The reign of George III (1760–1820) marked a pivotal period in British numismatic history, aligning with Britain’s industrial and imperial expansion. During his rule, the modern gold sovereign was reintroduced in 1817 after the Great Coinage Act of 1816, which established the gold standard. The George III Sovereign featured a classical portrait of the young king and the iconic reverse design of St George slaying the dragon, engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci.
- This established the standard for future sovereigns in size, design and gold content.
- The Pistrucci reverse became the hallmark of British sovereigns.
Collectors today prize the early George III sovereigns not only for their historic importance but also their artistry, rarity (especially in certain years), and the pivotal role they played in shaping the gold sovereign’s enduring legacy.
General Information
- Monarch: George III (1760–1820)
- Denomination: One Sovereign
- Date: 1717 - 1720
- Composition: Gold (0.9167)
- Weight: Approximately 7.99 grams
- Diameter: 22.5 mm
- Thickness: 1.5 mm
- Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
- Edge: Reeded
- Obverse: Laureate portrait of King George III facing right with legend around.
- Obverse Lettering (Latin): GEORGIUS III D:G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D: 1820
- Expanded Legend: Georgius III Dei Gratia Britanniarum Rex Fidei Defensor
- Obverse Lettering Translation: George the Third by the Grace of God King of the Britains Defender of the Faith
- Reverse: St George slaying the dragon right within Garter with legend around
- Reverse Lettering (Latin): HONI · SOIT · QUI · MAL · Y · PENSE
- Reverse Lettering Translation: Shame on he who thinks evil of it
- Engraver: Benedetto Pistrucci (both obverse and reverse)
- Mint: Royal Mint (Tower of London)
Select a Year
1817 Sovereign
Mintage: 3,235,000
1817 Sovereign
The 1817 Sovereign is catalogued as Marsh catalogs this as 1 (Marsh 1).
Notes: First issue of the modern Sovereign series.
| 1817 Sovereign |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: London Coins
1818 Sovereign
Mintage: 2,347,000
1818 sovereign - Ascending Colon
The 1818 sovereign - Ascending Colon Marsh catalogs this as 2 (Marsh 2).
| 1818 sovereign - Ascending Colon |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: London Coins
1818 sovereign - Descending Colon
The 1818 sovereign - Descending Colon Marsh catalogs this as 2A (Marsh 2A).
| 1818 sovereign - Descending Colon |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: London Coins
1819 Sovereign
Mintage: 3,574
1819 Sovereign
The 1819 sovereign Marsh catalogs this as 3 (Marsh 3).
| 1819 Sovereign |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Notes: First portrait of Charles III by Martin Jennings; reverse retains Pistrucci’s design.
1820 Sovereign
Mintage: 2,101,994
1820 Sovereign - Open 2, Large Date
The 1820 - Open 2, Large Date Marsh catalogs this as 3 (Marsh 3).
| 1820 Sovereign - Open 2, Large Date |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: Britannia Coin Company
1820 Sovereign - Open 2, Short Date
The 1820 - Open 2, Short Date Marsh catalogs this as 3 (Marsh 3).
| 1820 Sovereign - Open 2, Short Date |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: Britannia Coin Company
1820 Sovereign - Closed 2
The 1820 Sovereign - Closed 2 Marsh catalogs this as 3 (Marsh 3).
| 1820 Sovereign - Closed 2 |
|---|
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Image: London Coins