

1888M Australian Gold Sovereign
The 1888 Melbourne Australian Gold Sovereign is a notable coin minted during the reign of Queen Victoria, commemorating her Golden Jubilee. This sovereign features a unique design and significant historical context, making it a sought-after item among collectors.
Design Features:
- Obverse: The obverse of the coin showcases the Jubilee head of Queen Victoria, designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm. This portrait depicts the queen facing left, adorned with a small crown and veil, along with a pearl earring and a necklace composed of thirteen pearls. The initials "J.E.B." are located close to the truncation of the neck, indicating the engraver's mark.
- Reverse: The reverse side features the iconic St. George slaying the dragon, a design originally created by Benedetto Pistrucci in 1817. This depiction includes St. George on horseback, piercing the dragon with his lance. The mintmark "M" can be found at the center of the ground-line beneath the horse's hooves, signifying that this coin was minted at the Melbourne Mint.
Specifications:
- Year of Minting: 1888
- Mint Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Mintage: Approximately 2,830,612 coins were produced in this year.
- Weight: The coin weighs approximately 7.988 grams (0.2354 troy ounces) and is struck in 22-carat gold (91.67% gold content).
- Diameter: The diameter measures about 22.05 mm.
- Face Value: The nominal face value is £1.
Condition and Rarity: The condition of these coins can vary significantly; many are available in extremely fine to practically uncirculated conditions. Coins from this era are particularly valued for their rarity and historical significance. Collectors often seek out specific varieties based on mintmarks and design details.
Investment Value: Gold sovereigns like the 1888 Melbourne piece have become popular investment options due to their intrinsic gold value and exemption from capital gains tax in some jurisdictions. Their appeal lies not only in their precious metal content but also in their numismatic value as collectible items.
In summary, the 1888 Melbourne Australian Gold Sovereign represents both a piece of history and an attractive investment opportunity for collectors and investors alike.
We strive to deliver your order in the quickest and safest way possible once payment is cleared and stock is available.For orders under £250 we use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, which is insured by us and typically arrives within 1-5 working days from dispatch. For orders over £250, we send them using Royal Mail Special Delivery, which guarantees next-day delivery after dispatch.
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Ownership of the goods transfers to the customer once full payment is received and a signature is collected upon delivery to the address provided at the time of order.

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At Barbican Bullion, we are passionate about providing collectors, investors, and enthusiasts with the finest selection of precious metals. Whether you’re looking for gold and silver bars, coins, or rare collectibles, we offer a curated collection of high-quality bullion at competitive prices. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find the right pieces for your collection or investment portfolio.
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