A United Kingdom ½ Sovereign (Gold) contains 0.1177 troy oz of pure gold, worth $470.49 at today's spot price.
The half sovereign is the Royal Mint's half-value companion to the sovereign, struck in 22-karat gold. This page covers the coins of Victoria, Edward VII and George V, plus the 1937 George VI proof.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 24, 11:09 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1838–1937 |
|---|---|
| Face value | ½ Sovereign |
| Composition | 91.67% gold |
| Gross weight | 3.994 g |
| Fineness | .9167 (91.67%) |
| Pure metal | 0.1177 troy oz (3.661 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
3.994 g × .9167 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1177 troy oz
0.1177 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $470.49
How to identify it
- Victoria's coins up to 1893 show a crowned shield of arms on the reverse; from 1893 on, half sovereigns carry Benedetto Pistrucci's St George slaying the dragon.
- Branch-mint coins have a small letter: S (Sydney), M (Melbourne), P (Perth) or SA (Pretoria). On St George coins it sits just above the date; on shield coins it is below the shield.
- London coins have no mint mark. The last half sovereigns for circulation were struck at Pretoria in 1925 and 1926.
- Half sovereigns dated 1980 or later are modern Royal Mint issues made to the same gold standard.
Melt value vs. collector value
Common Edward VII and George V half sovereigns usually trade a little above melt. Victorian shield-back coins, scarce branch-mint dates and coins in high grade can carry clear collector premiums. The 1937 coin was issued only as a proof and sells as a collector piece.