The History of the Double Sovereign

The History of the Double Sovereign

The double sovereign is a premium denomination which originally made its debut in 1820. Many people have never even heard of a double sovereign, let alone been able to own such a fantastic coin.

Therefore, we will be delving a little deeper into the history of the this sovereign denomination, looking at the history and how it has become what we know today.

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The Rarity of Double Portraits on Coinage

The double portrait is a truly remarkable sight on coinage. It is a design that is rarely ever seen, making it all the more special when it does make an appearance.

This design is used to celebrate momentous royal occasions such as weddings and anniversaries, and is typically reserved for commemorative coins.

Double Portraits on Coinage

The use of a double portrait on coins acts as a symbol of love, unity, and the strength of a royal couple. One of the most iconic examples of this design is the double portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their Golden and Diamond Wedding Anniversary coins in 1997 and 2007. These coins are a testament to the remarkable milestones they reached together.

The year 2017 marked the platinum wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.  This is the first time in British history a monarch has celebrated this milestone. Therefore, a sovereign series was released exclusively to Hattons of London; The 2017 Double Portrait Wedding Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range. This is the first time double portraits have appeared on the gold sovereign, and the first time in the 200 years that a royal consort has had their portrait on a gold sovereign. Shop the range below.

Another notable example of a double portrait on coinage is that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton for their wedding in 2011. These commemorative coins captured the excitement and joy surrounding their union, showcasing their love and commitment to one another. The double portrait design serves as a reminder of the significance of their marriage, not just for them personally, but for the entire nation.

Last year, the double portrait featured on a spectacular series of gold sovereigns, capturing the essence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their coronation. This unique design is a true testament to their unity and the shared responsibilities they hold as the monarchs of Great Britain. It symbolised their commitment to each other and their dedication to their duties.

The 2023 King Charles III Coronation Double Portrait Gold Sovereign Range was released to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, where his wife and new Queen, Camilla, was by his side. Never before has a reigning king appeared with his queen.

History of the Double Portrait

To truly appreciate the rarity of the double portrait on coinage, we must delve even further back in time. It is during the reign of William and Mary in the late 1600s that we find some of the earliest examples of these double portrait coins. These coins were intended to commemorate their joint rule and showcase their unity as monarchs. The double portrait design was a way to honour their partnership and emphasise their shared power.

From Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to Prince William and Catherine Middleton, double portrait coins capture the essence of their relationships and commemorate significant moments in their lives.

The Ultimate 2023 Christmas Gift Guide

The Ultimate 2023 Christmas Gift Guide

The festive season is upon us, and if you are looking for the perfect Christmas present to gift to the numismatist in your life, then you have come to the right place!

Whether they are a lover of all things military themed, or are big fans of the Royal Family, we have available the most incredible gold sovereigns and coin sets for you to choose from. With price ranges to suit all budgets, here is the ultimate 2023 Christmas gift guide!

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The King Charles III 75th Birthday Sovereign Series

Dissecting the King Charles III 75th Birthday Sovereign Series

Our latest gold sovereign range; The 2023 King Charles III 75th Birthday Gold Sovereign Range, features a design in the style of the gold ‘Carolus’ coins of the King’s 17th-century predecessor and namesake, King Charles I, making an intriguing historic connection between British monarchs some four centuries apart.

Each coin in this series features the same design: namely, a portrait of King Charles III, wearing the St Edward’s crown and resplendent in his coronation robes, holding the orb in one hand and the sceptre in another. In this blog, we will be dissecting the key features of the coin design from this remarkable range…

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The Official Crowned Coinage Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III

The 2023 Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III Gold Proof Sovereign

On 6th May 2023, Britain’s sixty-fifth monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, undertook the sacred coronation ceremony and became the first British monarch to be crowned in the 21st century.

Not since 1953 have people lived through such an historic event, and many will not do so again. The world is a disparate place to that of the late Elizabeth II, but one that still holds dear the longstanding traditions of ceremony and celebration.

This is a great moment for Britain, and because of its significance, Royal Mint produced an exceptional proof gold sovereign celebrating this historic event, and for the first time, we are giving our clients the opportunity to own this remarkable coin…

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