Step back into the gold rush era with the 1857–1870 Sydney Sovereign, an extraordinary coin that marks a pivotal chapter in Royal Mint history. Struck at the Sydney Mint, the first branch of the Royal Mint outside London, this sovereign was produced in response to Australia’s gold discoveries and features a distinctive design unique to its place and time.

Crafted in 22 carat gold with a weight of 7.98 grams and a diameter of 22.05 mm, the coin bears the elegant portrait of Queen Victoria by Leonard Charles Wyon on the obverse, inscribed with “VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:”. The reverse is equally iconic, displaying the words “SYDNEY MINT AUSTRALIA ONE SOVEREIGN” within a laurel wreath, setting it apart from its London-minted counterparts. With its milled edge and rich historical significance, the Sydney Sovereign is a testament to the pioneering spirit of the 19th century and the enduring legacy of The Royal Mint’s craftsmanship.

If the many thousands of coin collectors in the United Kingdom were asked to nominate the finest engraver ever to produce designs for the coinage of Britain it is likely that William Wyon would find a place at the top of everyone’s list.

However, not many people know that he wasn’t the only Wyon to design coins for The Royal Mint. Starting with Peter in the 18^th century, several of the Wyon family would become leading die-engravers, coin designers and medallists, with two becoming chief engravers at The Royal Mint.

When large deposits of gold were found in Australia in the mid-19^th century, the colonial government of New South Wales sought permission from the British to open a branch of The Royal Mint in Sydney in 1853. The first gold Sovereigns to be produced at the new branch Mint were designed by James Wyon, the cousin of William. This portrait was not well received, with many criticising that the portrait of Queen Victoria was somewhat too mature.

In 1856 Leonard Charles Wyon, the son of William, began to redesign the obverse of the Australia Sovereigns, with a younger Queen now wreathed in native Australian banksia, which appealed to the growing patriotism of the Australian people. The design was very well received and today Australia Sovereigns are amongst the most sought after by collectors around the world.