Britain’s modern Royal Houses have navigated profound social, economic and global changes, from the Glorious Revolution in 1688 to the First World War. The House of Stuart, House of Hanover, House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and House of Windsor represent a fascinating narrative of an evolving British monarchy.

A must-have for British royal history buffs, this specially curated set includes a gold coin from each of these modern Royal Houses and features a William III guinea, a George III spade guinea, an Edward VII 1902 Sovereign and a George V 1917 Sovereign. 

William III Guinea

Struck in 22 carat gold primarily sourced from West Africa, this guinea was struck at a time of expanding maritime trade networks and economic ambitions at the turn of the eighteenth century. Emerging in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution in 1688, William III co-reigned with Mary II, which was a pivotal moment for the House of Stuart, and their rule set the stage for Britain’s future global influence.

George III Spade Guinea

George III presided over a transformative period that was marked by the American Revolutionary War and early industrial advancements. Introduced in 1787, the spade guinea symbolised the House of Hanover’s prominence and the United Kingdom’s rising national prestige. During George III’s reign, guineas were struck nearly every year between 1761 and 1799; minting of the coin ceased thereafter due to the hazards of importing gold from overseas during the war with France

Edward VII 1902 Sovereign

The coronation of Edward VII ushered in the Edwardian era, a period known for social reforms and the UK’s dominant imperial power. Struck in the wake of Queen Victoria’s reign, the 1902 Sovereign was one of the first Sovereigns to be struck for the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The reverse of the coin features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the dragon design that had become familiar to the nation.

George V 1917 Sovereign

A rare wartime issue, the 1917 Sovereign emerged amidst escalating demand for gold during the First World War. In 1917, the same year that the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha officially transitioned to the House of Windsor, many Sovereigns were melted down for the war effort, with the few surviving coins serving as relics of a time when the nation was under strain.