2023 British Coronation 5 Pound Sovereign
History
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, the throne was succeeded by her eldest son, Prince Charles, formerly the Prince of Wales. In keeping with royal tradition, the coronation of King Charles III was held on May 6, 2023, at the historic Westminster Abbey.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, The Royal Mint released a special series of Coronation Coins, available in both Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof finishes. Among these, the £5 Gold Sovereign stood as the highest denomination issued, marking a significant tribute to the new monarch.
Design
This coin is struck in 22-carat gold (.9167 fine gold) and is available in both Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof finishes, offering options for collectors. In keeping with longstanding numismatic tradition, King Charles III faces left on the obverse—reversing the direction of his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II, who faced right on her coinage.The obverse of the coin features the official effigy of King Charles III, designed by renowned British sculptor Martin Jennings. His Majesty is shown wearing the Tudor Crown, a symbolic nod to the monarchy’s rich heritage. The portrait is encircled by the Latin inscription: “CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF”, which translates to “Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.”
On the reverse, the coin displays the iconic “Saint George and the Dragon” design, first introduced on the 1817 gold Sovereign. This powerful image—crafted by legendary Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci—depicts Saint George heroically slaying the dragon. The artist’s initials, “B.P.”, along with the year “2023”, appear just below the scene. Widely regarded as one of the most enduring designs in numismatic history, this motif symbolizes bravery, triumph, and the enduring spirit of Britain.
Saint George, a Roman soldier of the 3rd century AD, was martyred for refusing to renounce his Christian faith under Emperor Diocletian. Over the centuries, the legend of Saint George and the Dragon came to represent the eternal battle between good and evil. It has since become deeply embedded in British tradition and national identity.
Sovereigns featuring this design are globally recognized, both for their historic significance and their role as cornerstone pieces of British gold coinage.
This Five Pound Sovereign coin is the largest gold coin denomination available today.Simply click the “Add to Cart” button now or call 1-800-880-4653 to speak to one of our highly trained numismatists, who will be very happy to assist you.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Quick View
