2020 Double Sovereign Gold Proof Coin

The 2020 Sovereign collection celebrates one of the most extraordinary chapters in British history and is a unique tribute to some of King George III’s greatest coinage during his reign. Released on the 200th Anniversary since his death in 1820, each coin in this beautiful heritage collection is inspired by the original designs widely considered to be King George’s most significant.

THE 2020 DOUBLE SOVEREIGN DESIGN

Years of War, the American Revolution and Napoleon’s desire for supremacy in Europe and on the High Seas took their toll on His Majesty’s Treasury which was left depleted in terms of gold and silver bullion. One asset that was held in abundance at the Bank of England was a significant quantity of Spanish dollars, which was the most widely traded silver coin of the era. In 1797 King George III authorised the counter stamping of Spanish dollars with a ‘puncheon’ of the Kings head as part of the hallmarking.

These countermarked coins were released rapidly into the market allaying the currency crisis. The counter stamping created a coin depicting two Kings on its obverse. The re-issued silver coins, with a value of 4 shillings and 9 pence gave rise to the witticism, ‘Two Kings’ heads and not worth a crown’ with a ‘crown’ in this context meaning 5 shillings. The 2020 Double Sovereign gold proof design features the effigy of King Charles III of Spain inset with the effigy of King George III to represent the same process and design as the original silver Spanish Dollar coins on 1797.