Minted in London; Melbourne and Sydney in 1893 under the reign of Queen Victoria, almost 10,000,000 coins were made in Bullion quality (for investment). The 1898 Victoria Old (Veiled) head are now VAT free in UK and provided they were minted after 1817, free from Capital Gains Tax. They also are VAT free in European Union, the sovereigns meeting the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 (special scheme for investment gold).
1893 Sovereigns Mintage.
| Mintmark | Mint Mintmark | Mintage |
| L | London L | 6,898,260 |
| M | Melbourne, Australia M | 1,346,000 |
| S | Sydney, Australia S | 1,346,000 |
| Total | 9,598,260 |
1893 Sovereigns Price.
The premium on this coin is around 30% over sport gold price; for a quality EF coins on sale by professionals.
| Date and Mint | Grade | Price £ | Price $ | Price € |
| 1893-L | almost EF | £455 | $550 | 530€ |
| 1893-M | almost EF | £455 | $550 | 530€ |
| 1893-S | almost EF | £455 | $550 | 530€ |
| 1893 | Good Fine | £455 | $550 | 530€ |
| Diameter (mm) | Weight (gr) | Thickness (mm) |
| 22,05 mm | Gross weight: 7,99 Gr Fine Gold : 7,32 Gr | 1,52 mm |
| Edge and Orientation. | Millesimal fineness. | Composition. |
| ➣ Reeded ➣ Medal alignment ↑↑ | 22 carats ; 917 ‰ | 90% gold and 10% copper |
How to grade a Sovereign 1893.
Discerning collectors will do well to become familiar with the main points to examine when grading this obverse:
- The fringe between the base of the crown and the top of the veil;
- The leading edge of the veil (above, behind and below the ear), as well as the folds towards the back of Victoria’s head;
- Victoria’s shoulder; and
- The eyebrow and cheek (running from directly below Victoria’s eye to the top of her throat.
When collectors examine a sovereign with the St George reverse, there are a certain number of points which are examined closely for strike & wear. From top to bottom, they are:
- The crest of St George’s helmet;
- St George’s chest, together with the strap & pin fastening his cloak;
- The bridle as it crosses the horse’s neck;
- The muscle separation in St George’s upper thigh;
- The horse’s forequarters & rump;
- The “bloodline” in the sword;
- The upper band across St George’s boot;
- The dragon’s torso below its neck.