1886 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back Sydney Mint
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The 1886 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back Sydney Mint is one of the most desirable and historically significant British gold sovereigns ever produced. Struck in 22-carat gold at the famous Sydney Mint in Australia, this rare Victorian-era Sovereign combines exceptional historical importance, investment-grade gold content, and strong collector demand.
Featuring the iconic Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria alongside the classic Shield Back reverse design, the 1886 Sydney Mint Sovereign remains a standout coin within the long and prestigious history of British Sovereign coinage.
The Gold Sovereign is one of the most famous and trusted gold coins ever produced. First introduced in 1817 by The Royal Mint, the Sovereign quickly became the cornerstone of international trade. The Sydney Mint became the first overseas branch of The Royal Mint and played a crucial role in supplying gold Sovereigns throughout the Empire. Read more: The History of Gold as Money.
The obverse features the famous Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by celebrated engraver William Wyon. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful royal portraits ever used on British coinage, the Young Head design appeared on Sovereigns between 1838 and 1887. Learn how to verify a gold coin is genuine and avoid fake gold coins.
Unlike the more commonly encountered St George and the Dragon Sovereigns, Shield Back Sovereigns feature the Royal Coat of Arms surrounded by an ornate crowned shield design. Many collectors consider the Shield Back design to be among the most attractive Sovereign reverses ever produced. See our British Hallmark Guide and Gold Purity Guide for more context.
Not sure whether coins or bars suit you? Read: Gold Coins vs Gold Bars and New vs Pre-Owned Bullion. See also: Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best?
Yes. The Gold Sovereign is British legal tender with a face value of £1, making it exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents regardless of the year or mint of issue. See our CGT-free gold guide.
The 1886 Sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold (0.2354 troy oz) in a 22 carat (.9167 fine) alloy, with a total coin weight of 7.98g — the standard full Sovereign specification unchanged since 1817.
The Sydney Mint was the first overseas branch of The Royal Mint, established in 1855 to process gold from the Australian gold rush. Sovereigns struck there carry an “S” mintmark on the reverse. Colonial mint Sovereigns are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, often carrying a premium above standard London Mint issues.
Shield Back Sovereigns feature the Royal Coat of Arms within an ornate crowned shield on the reverse, rather than the more familiar St George and the Dragon. Shield Back designs were used until 1887, making the 1886 issue one of the last years of this reverse. They are considered rarer and more collectible than standard St George reverses of the same period.
Yes. As investment gold and UK legal tender, the 1886 Gold Sovereign is exempt from VAT in the UK.
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