{"product_id":"1890-queen-victoria-gold-sovereign","title":"1890 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign – Jubilee Head","description":"\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1890\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonarch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Queen Victoria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDenomination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full Sovereign\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePortrait:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jubilee Head\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObverse Designer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e St George and the Dragon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReverse Designer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Benedetto Pistrucci\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurity:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/22ct-gold-guide-2026\"\u003e22 Carat \/ 916.7 Fineness\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.98g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine Gold Content:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.32g \/ 0.2354 Troy Oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 22.05mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pre-Owned \/ Circulated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoin Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gold-sovereigns\"\u003eBritish Gold Sovereign\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCGT Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e UK Sovereigns are generally exempt from UK Capital Gains Tax for UK residents — \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cgt-free-gold-coins-uk\"\u003elearn more about CGT-free gold\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOwn a genuine piece of Victorian British history with this \u003cstrong\u003e1890 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign\u003c\/strong\u003e, struck in \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/22ct-gold-guide-2026\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e22 carat gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and featuring Queen Victoria's distinctive \u003cstrong\u003eJubilee Head portrait\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIssued during the later years of Queen Victoria's reign, the 1890 Gold Sovereign combines the intrinsic value of physical gold with more than 130 years of British history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe obverse features Queen Victoria's \u003cstrong\u003eJubilee Head portrait\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed by \u003cstrong\u003eSir Joseph Edgar Boehm\u003c\/strong\u003e and introduced in 1887 to coincide with Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe reverse displays one of the most famous designs in British coinage: \u003cstrong\u003eBenedetto Pistrucci's St George and the Dragon\u003c\/strong\u003e, with St George shown on horseback slaying the dragon and the date \u003cstrong\u003e1890\u003c\/strong\u003e beneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eStruck to the traditional British Sovereign standard, the coin weighs approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.98 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e, is made from \u003cstrong\u003e22ct (916.7 fineness) gold\u003c\/strong\u003e and contains approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.32 grams (0.2354 troy ounces) of pure gold\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor investors and collectors alike, the 1890 Queen Victoria Sovereign offers an opportunity to own physical gold in one of Britain's most recognised historic coin formats. See our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/best-gold-coins-for-uk-investors\"\u003ethe best gold coins for UK investors\u003c\/a\u003e for a broader comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 1890 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1890 Gold Sovereign\u003c\/strong\u003e was issued during one of the most recognisable periods of Queen Victoria's coinage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eQueen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 1887, marking 50 years since her accession to the throne. A new portrait by sculptor \u003cstrong\u003eSir Joseph Edgar Boehm\u003c\/strong\u003e was introduced that year and became known as the \u003cstrong\u003eJubilee Head\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe portrait depicts an older Queen Victoria wearing a small crown and replaced the famous Young Head portrait that had appeared on British coinage for much of her reign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Jubilee Head was relatively short-lived compared with Victoria's earlier portrait and was eventually replaced by the \u003cstrong\u003eVeiled Head\u003c\/strong\u003e, also commonly called the Old Head, from 1893.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis places the \u003cstrong\u003e1890 Sovereign firmly within the Jubilee Head period of Victorian British gold coinage\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eSt George and the Dragon\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe reverse of the 1890 Sovereign features \u003cstrong\u003eBenedetto Pistrucci's iconic St George and the Dragon design\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eSt George is depicted on horseback slaying the dragon with his sword, while the year \u003cstrong\u003e1890\u003c\/strong\u003e appears beneath the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePistrucci's famous design has become synonymous with the British Sovereign and remains one of the most recognisable images in British gold coinage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHis initials, \u003cstrong\u003eB.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e, can also be seen on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHow Much Gold Is in an 1890 Sovereign?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA genuine full 1890 Gold Sovereign was struck to the traditional Sovereign specification of approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7.98g total weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/22ct-gold-guide-2026\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e22 carat gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91.67% gold purity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7.32g of fine gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.2354 troy ounces of pure gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe remaining metal in the 22ct alloy provides additional durability, an important consideration when Sovereigns were originally intended to circulate as money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhy Buy an 1890 Gold Sovereign?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1890 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign\u003c\/strong\u003e combines physical precious metal ownership with genuine British history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnlike a newly minted bullion coin, an original Victorian Sovereign has survived for more than a century. Each coin therefore has its own individual history, characteristics and signs of previous circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts value is supported by approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.32 grams of fine gold\u003c\/strong\u003e, while its age, date, condition and Victorian provenance can also create additional interest among collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistoric Sovereigns are particularly popular with UK gold buyers because of their globally recognised format, relatively small individual size and favourable UK tax treatment. Read more about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gold-vs-stocks-which-performs-better-long-term\"\u003ehow gold performs compared to other investments\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIs the 1890 Gold Sovereign CGT Free?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBritish Gold Sovereigns are sterling legal tender and are generally \u003cstrong\u003eexempt from UK Capital Gains Tax for UK residents\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is one reason Sovereigns remain popular with UK precious-metal investors who want to build larger physical gold holdings over time. See our full guide to \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cgt-free-gold-coins-uk\"\u003eCGT-free gold coins in the UK\u003c\/a\u003e for more detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eTax rules and individual circumstances can change, so professional tax advice should be obtained where required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003epre-owned historic gold coin\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAs an original Sovereign dating from 1890, the coin may display signs of age and previous circulation, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurface marks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight scratches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContact marks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther age-related imperfections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThese characteristics are normal for historic circulated gold coins and form part of their individual history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease refer to the product photographs for an indication of the coin's overall condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhere multiple examples are available, the exact coin supplied may vary slightly from the photographs unless otherwise stated. Our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-verify-a-gold-coin-is-genuine\"\u003ehow to verify a gold coin is genuine\u003c\/a\u003e may also be useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhy Are Queen Victoria Sovereigns Popular?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eQueen Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1901, making Victorian Sovereigns an important part of British monetary history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHer reign saw several different Sovereign portraits, including the \u003cstrong\u003eYoung Head, Jubilee Head and Veiled Head\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 1890 Sovereign belongs to the Jubilee Head period, making it easily distinguishable from earlier and later Victorian Sovereigns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor collectors, this creates an opportunity to collect \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/gold-sovereigns\"\u003eSovereigns across different monarchs, portraits, dates and periods of British history\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor gold buyers, the coins also provide a convenient way of owning fractional quantities of physical gold without purchasing a full one-ounce gold coin. You may also wish to compare \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gold-britannia-vs-gold-sovereign-which-gold-coin-is-best-for-uk-investors\"\u003eGold Britannias vs Gold Sovereigns\u003c\/a\u003e to find the right format for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIs an 1890 Sovereign Real Gold?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes. A genuine 1890 Queen Victoria Sovereign is made from \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/22ct-gold-guide-2026\"\u003e22 carat gold\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis represents a gold purity of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e91.67% or 916.7 fineness\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA full Sovereign weighs approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.98 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e and contains approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.32 grams of pure gold\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e1890 Gold Sovereign FAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhat is an 1890 Gold Sovereign?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAn 1890 Gold Sovereign is a British gold coin issued during the reign of Queen Victoria. It features Queen Victoria's Jubilee Head portrait on the obverse and St George and the Dragon on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHow much does an 1890 Sovereign weigh?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA full 1890 Sovereign has a standard weight of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.98 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHow much pure gold is in an 1890 Sovereign?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAn 1890 full Sovereign contains approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7.32 grams or 0.2354 troy ounces of pure gold\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhat carat is an 1890 Gold Sovereign?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 1890 Sovereign is struck in \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/22ct-gold-guide-2026\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e22 carat gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, equivalent to approximately \u003cstrong\u003e91.67% gold purity or 916.7 fineness\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWho is pictured on the 1890 Sovereign?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe obverse features \u003cstrong\u003eQueen Victoria\u003c\/strong\u003e using the Jubilee Head portrait designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhat is on the back of an 1890 Sovereign?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe reverse features \u003cstrong\u003eSt George slaying the dragon\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci, with the year 1890 beneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIs an 1890 Sovereign a bullion coin or a collectable coin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt can appeal to both bullion buyers and coin collectors. Its underlying value is influenced by its gold content, while its age, date, condition, mint and historical significance can also affect collector demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAre 1890 Sovereigns rare?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eRarity depends on the particular \u003cstrong\u003emint, variety and condition\u003c\/strong\u003e of the coin. Not every 1890 Sovereign has the same numismatic value, so individual examples should be assessed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIs an 1890 Gold Sovereign CGT free in the UK?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBritish Sovereigns are sterling legal-tender coins and are generally \u003cstrong\u003eexempt from UK Capital Gains Tax for UK residents\u003c\/strong\u003e, subject to current UK tax rules and individual circumstances. Read our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cgt-free-gold-coins-uk\"\u003eCGT-free gold coins guide\u003c\/a\u003e for more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eIs an 1890 Sovereign a good way to own physical gold?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eSovereigns are widely used by UK buyers wanting to own physical gold because they contain a known quantity of gold, are internationally recognised and benefit from favourable UK tax treatment. Gold prices and collectible premiums can rise or fall, so returns are not guaranteed. See our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/best-gold-coins-for-uk-investors\"\u003ethe best gold coins for UK investors\u003c\/a\u003e for more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003eBuy an 1890 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign from 888 Bullion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e888 Bullion\u003c\/strong\u003e, we specialise in buying and selling \u003cstrong\u003egold Sovereigns, investment gold coins, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gold-bars-by-size-which-should-you-buy\"\u003egold bars\u003c\/a\u003e, silver coins and precious metals\u003c\/strong\u003e from our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/hatton-garden-gold-dealers\"\u003eHatton Garden office in London\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOur family has been involved in the \u003cstrong\u003ejewellery and precious-metals trade since 1982\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving us more than 40 years of industry experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhether you are adding an \u003cstrong\u003e1890 Queen Victoria Sovereign\u003c\/strong\u003e to an existing collection, purchasing your first historic British gold coin or building a physical gold holding, 888 Bullion provides a secure and straightforward way to buy precious metals. Once purchased, read our guide on \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/where-to-store-gold-and-silver-in-the-uk-2026-guide\"\u003ewhere to store gold and silver in the UK\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Royal Mint","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54748500590930,"sku":"SOV-1890-VIC-JH-FU","price":819.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1073\/6517\/1538\/files\/1890_Queen_Victoria_Gold_Sovereign.png?v=1789570272","url":"https:\/\/888bullion.co.uk\/products\/1890-queen-victoria-gold-sovereign","provider":"888 Bullion","version":"1.0","type":"link"}