1884 Gold Sovereign Coin Queen Victoria Young Head | CGT Free UK Bullion

Coin Specifications

• Year: 1884
• Monarch: Queen Victoria
• Portrait Type: Young Head (William Wyon)
• Mint: London (no mintmark)
• Metal: 22 Carat Gold (.9167)
• Weight: 7.98g total | 7.32g pure gold (0.2354 troy oz)
• Diameter: 22.05mm
• Face Value: £1 (Legal Tender)
• Reverse Design: St George and the Dragon (Benedetto Pistrucci)
• CGT Status: Exempt for UK Residents — see our CGT-free gold guide
• VAT Status: VAT Free Investment Gold

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The 1884 Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign is a historic British gold coin struck during the height of the Victorian era. Featuring the renowned Young Head portrait designed by William Wyon — one of the most admired royal coin portraits ever produced — alongside Benedetto Pistrucci's legendary St George and the Dragon reverse, this coin represents a defining piece of 19th-century British numismatic history. Presented in a protective plastic capsule, this sovereign was minted in London, England, identified by the absence of a mintmark beneath the date.

Obverse Design

The obverse carries the classic "Young Head" portrait of Queen Victoria by William Wyon, first introduced on British coins in 1838. The design shows a young, laureate bust of Victoria facing left, with the inscription "VICTORIA D.G.BRITANNIAR. REGINA F.D." — translating to "Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith." The Young Head portrait remained on Sovereigns until 1887 when it was replaced by the Jubilee Head.

Reverse Design

The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci's timeless St George and the Dragon design, with the date "1884" below. This reverse has appeared on British Sovereigns since 1817 and remains one of the most celebrated coin designs in the world. The London Mint is identified by the absence of any mintmark.

Why Choose the 1884 Victorian Gold Sovereign?

• CGT-free for UK investors as legal tender
• VAT-free investment gold
• 7.32g of pure gold in every coin
• Rare Young Head portrait — only struck 1838–1887
• London Mint issue — no mintmark, struck at the original Royal Mint
• Strong numismatic and collector appeal alongside bullion value
• Presented in protective capsule

Not sure whether coins or bars suit you better? Read: Gold Coins vs Gold Bars and Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best? Want to understand gold purity and hallmarks? See our Gold Purity Guide and British Hallmark Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1884 Gold Sovereign CGT-free?

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 of issue. See our CGT-free gold coins guide for full details.

What is the Young Head portrait on Victorian Sovereigns?

The "Young Head" is the portrait of Queen Victoria designed by William Wyon and used on British gold and silver coins from 1838 to 1887. It depicts a young Victoria with a laurel wreath, and is considered one of the finest royal coin portraits ever created. It was replaced by the "Jubilee Head" in 1887, making Young Head Sovereigns from this period historically distinct.

How much gold is in the 1884 Gold Sovereign?

The 1884 Sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold (0.2354 troy oz) set in a 22-carat (.9167 fine) alloy, with a total coin weight of 7.98g — the standard full Sovereign specification unchanged since 1817.

What does "no mintmark" mean on a Victorian Sovereign?

Victorian Sovereigns were struck at multiple mints worldwide, including London, Sydney, Melbourne, and others. Coins struck at The Royal Mint in London carry no mintmark beneath the date. A London issue is the "home" mint and is often preferred by collectors building date-run or mintmark collections.

Is the 1884 Gold Sovereign rare?

The 1884 London Sovereign was struck in reasonable quantities and is considered a scarce rather than rare date. Its collector value comes primarily from the desirable Young Head portrait (the last years before the 1887 portrait change), its age, and condition — with well-preserved examples commanding higher premiums over spot.

Why Buy From 888 Bulion?

• ✔ Every sovereign professionally inspected and verified for authenticity — XRF testing
• ✔ Competitive pricing based on live gold markets — check Today's Prices
• ✔ Secure packaging and fully insured delivery — see Shipping Policy
• ✔ Trusted Hatton Garden precious metals dealer established 1982
• ✔ Verified customer reviews
• ✔ Buy Back Guarantee
• ✔ Expert support — contact our team

Also Consider

• Best Value Mixed Year Gold Sovereign
• 1886 Victoria Young Head Gold Sovereign — Sydney Mint
• 1982 Half Sovereign
• Best Value 1oz Krugerrand (CGT-Free)

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