Gold Sovereign “Victoria DEI GRATIA” 1901.

The sovereign 1901 is a British gold coin minted under the reign of Queen Victoria in London, also struck at the colonial Australian branch mints in Melbourne and Sydney. The 1901 sovereign holds particular significance, as it was the final year of issue before Queen Victoria’s death on January 22, 1901. For collectors, this portrait marks an essential piece in any sovereign collection. Almost 11 million gold sovereign coins were struck this year. The 1901 Queen Victoria “Veiled Head” Gold Sovereigns, (originally a circulating coin, now a bullion coin) are VAT free in UK and provided they were minted after 1817 and a legal tender coin, free from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents. 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).

Mint and Mintage.

Mintmark	Mint	Mintage
L	London, United Kingdom	1,578,948
M	Melbourne, Australia	3,987,701
S	Sydney, Australia	3,012,000
P	Perth, Australia	2,889,333
	Total	11,467,982

1901 Sovereigns Mintage

Diameter (mm)	Weight (gr)	Thickness (mm)
22,05 mm	Gross weight: 7,99 Gr Fine Gold: 7,32 Gr – 0.2354 troy ounce.	1,52 mm
Edge and Orientation.	Millesimal fineness.	Composition.
➣ Reeded / Milled ➣ Medal alignment ↑↑	22 carats; 917 ‰	91.67% gold and 8.33% Copper.
Mint and Mintmark	Financial Features	Mintage.
« The Royal Mint » London and Australia mints.	Type: bullion coin. Production Years: 1817–present. Legal tender in the United Kingdom, value £1 = 20 shillings.	1901 with 11,467,982 bullion coins.

Specifications for the Gold Sovereign 1901.

Gold Sovereign 1901, Melbourne Australia

A gold sovereign minted in Melbourne, Australia, with a total mintage volume of 3,987,701, typically contains about 0.2354 troy ounces of gold and generally trades near the current spot price of gold, plus a small premium. When buying from a dealer, you can expect to pay around $20 over spot for a standard sovereign in good condition, though rare or exceptionally preserved coins may carry a higher premium. Selling directly to another collector can sometimes yield a price close to or slightly above spot, as collectors may pay extra for the historical significance of a specific mint and mintage number, like this Melbourne issue.

Obverse of the 1901 Melbourne Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait

The obverse of the 1901 Melbourne-minted gold sovereign features the “veiled head” portrait of Queen Victoria, a somber and dignified likeness that reflects her later years. This portrait, also known as the “Old Head” or “Widow Head,” was the last of Queen Victoria’s effigies to appear on coinage. Created by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock, the design captures the Queen with a veil over her hair, signifying her enduring mourning for Prince Albert, her beloved husband who passed in 1861. In this depiction, Queen Victoria is shown wearing a small crown atop her veil, as well as the Order of the Garter. Around her profile, the Latin inscription “VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP” translates to “Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India,” emphasizing her role as a global monarch at the height of the British Empire

Reverse of the 1901 Melbourne Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait.

On the reverse, the sovereign showcases the iconic image of St. George slaying the dragon, a powerful symbol of triumph over evil. Designed by Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, this motif first appeared on British coinage in 1817 and became a celebrated emblem of British resilience and strength. Below St. George’s depiction, the date “1901” appears, and just above it, the “M” mint mark denotes the coin’s production at the Melbourne Mint. This mint mark provides collectors with valuable insight into the coin’s origin, adding to the piece’s historical and regional significance.

Gold Sovereign 1901S, Sydney Australia.

The 1901 Sydney Gold Sovereign, minted in Australia, is a widely available coin with a mintage of 3,012,000. This sovereign contains approximately 0.2354 troy ounces of gold and generally trades near the spot price, often with a small premium. When purchasing from a dealer, expect to pay around $20 above the spot price for a standard, well-preserved sovereign

Obverse of the 1901 Sydney Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait

The obverse of the 1901 Sydney-minted gold sovereign showcases the “veiled head” portrait of Queen Victoria, also known as the “Old Head” or “Widow Head.” Sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock, this final effigy of Victoria depicts her later years, wearing a veil in mourning for her husband, Prince Albert, with a small crown and the Order of the Garter. The surrounding Latin inscription, “VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP,” honors her as “Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India,” underscoring her global stature.

Reverse of the 1901 Sydney Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait.

On the reverse, the 1901 Sydney-minted sovereign displays the iconic image of St. George slaying the dragon, symbolizing triumph over evil. Created by Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, this powerful motif debuted on British coinage in 1817, becoming a renowned emblem of British strength and resilience. Below the image, the date “1901” is inscribed, and above it, the “S” mint mark signifies the coin’s origin at the Sydney Mint, enhancing its historical and regional appeal for collectors.

Gold Sovereign 1901, Perth Australia.

Victorian Perth Mint Sovereigns were produced only in 1899, 1900, and 1901, with 2,889,333 coins minted in Perth during these years. In higher-grade conditions, these coins may command a modest premium over their bullion value. However, in the UK, coins in average condition typically trade at melt value due to wear and damage, holding limited numismatic appeal—likely around $30 to the right buyer.

Obverse of the 1901 Perth Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait

The obverse of the 1901 Perth-minted gold sovereign features the “veiled head” portrait of Queen Victoria, often referred to as the “Old Head” or “Widow Head.” Designed by Sir Thomas Brock, this final effigy portrays Victoria in her later years, draped in a mourning veil for her husband, Prince Albert, and adorned with a small crown and the Order of the Garter. The surrounding Latin inscription, “VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP,” recognizes her as “Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India,” underscoring her profound global influence.

Reverse of the 1901 Perth Gold Sovereign: Queen Victoria’s Veiled Head Portrait.

On the reverse, the 1901 Perth-minted sovereign displays the iconic image of St. George slaying the dragon, a powerful symbol of triumph over evil. Crafted by Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, this timeless design has adorned British coinage since 1817, symbolizing British resilience and strength. The inscription of “1901” below St. George and the “P” mint mark above affirm the coin’s Perth origin

How to grade a Sovereign 1901.

Discerning collectors will do well to become familiar with the main points to examine when grading this obverse:

1. The fringe between the base of the crown and the top of the veil;
2. The leading edge of the veil (above, behind and below the ear), as well as the folds towards the back of Victoria’s head;
3. Victoria’s shoulder; and
4. 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.

Description for the Gold Sovereign 1901.

Crafted by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, the portrait showed a Queen scowling with disapproval. Perhaps she was just concentrating as she appeared to be balancing the crown on her head.
This portrait drew much criticism, and only used the St George reverse, which incidentally, had a ribbon introduced to St Georges head. The Jubilee issue lasted until continued until 1893, when the encroachment of time again made it necessary to alter the portrait of the aging Queen.

Reverse :	Portrait by Joseph Edgar Boehm. Matte background with matte bust of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing the small imperial crown, a long veil falling behind her head. Legend VICTORIA D : G : BRITT : REG : F : D : Translated from Latin: Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.
Obverse :	Matte background with relief of Saint George killing the dragon. 1901 BP.

VICTORIA “VEILED HEAD” GOLD SOVEREIGNS