sovereign
Quick Summary
The sovereign is a gold coin first introduced in England in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII. It was a substantial coin, weighing 240 grains and valued at 20 shillings. The obverse featured Henry VII seated on an elaborate throne, while the reverse displayed a Tudor rose with a central shield of arms.1
Later, under James I, a gold coin called the "unite" was introduced, also valued at 20 shillings. This coin was named for its legend alluding to the union of the Scottish and English crowns. The gold sovereign was a prominent part of British currency for 300 years, disappearing from internal circulation in 1914 but continuing to be minted for export.12
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