Half Gold Sovereign Queen Victoria Young Head Shield (1871-1887)
The Half Gold Sovereign Queen Victoria Young Head Shield (1871–1887) is a genuine Victorian-era gold coin struck by The Royal Mint in 22-carat gold (916.7 fineness). Weighing 3.99 grams with approximately 3.66 grams of pure gold, it features the classic Young Head obverse by William Wyon and the heraldic shield reverse representing the Royal Arms. A historically significant and VAT-free investment-grade gold coin, available with fully insured UK delivery or in-store collection at London Gold Emporium, Hatton Garden.
Out of stock
Delivery & Returns
Fast, insured delivery. Easy, transparent returns.
- Standard (1–3 working days) via Royal Mail Tracked / Special Delivery.
- Express (Next Working Day) order by 1pm Mon–Fri.
- Saturday Delivery available at checkout (postcode dependent).
We ship fully insured until signed for. Dispatch times exclude bank holidays.
- EU & Worldwide via FedEx/DHL Express, 2–7 working days (destination dependent).
- Customs/Duties are the buyer’s responsibility and vary by country.
- Photo ID may be required for high-value shipments.
We provide tracking links on dispatch. Delivery estimates exclude customs clearance time.
- Processing time: 1–2 working days for in-stock items; bespoke/resize adds 3–7 days.
- Discreet, secure packaging with tamper seals.
- Gift note available at checkout.
- Tracking is emailed automatically once dispatched.
- If your parcel is delayed, contact us so we can investigate with the carrier.
Office hours: Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:00 (UK time)
- 14-day returns from delivery for online purchases.
- Items must be unused, in original condition with tags, certificates, and packaging.
- Please request a return authorisation before sending anything back.
Unauthorised or late returns may be refused or incur a restocking fee.
- Pierced earrings (unless faulty).
- Engraved, altered, resized, or bespoke/custom-made items.
- Items showing signs of wear or damage.
- Email sales@londongoldemporium.co.uk within 14 days.
- We’ll send you an RMA and instructions (including return address).
- Return using insured, tracked, signature service. Keep proof of postage.
- Once inspected, refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 working days.
- Exchanges are subject to stock availability.
- Faulty/incorrect items: we’ll cover reasonable return postage once verified.
This policy does not affect your statutory rights under UK consumer law.
UK Ring Size Guide (A–Z+)
Measure your ring or finger, then match to UK letters.
Tip: Measure an existing ring’s inside diameter with a ruler/caliper. Or wrap a thin strip around your finger, mark it, and measure the length for circumference.
UK to mm (reference)
| UK | Diameter (mm) | Circumf. (mm) | US | EU (ISO circ.) |
|---|
Values are typical references. Manufacturers may vary ±0.1–0.2 mm.
Popular UK sizes
Common women’s sizes: J–P. Men’s: P–T (varies by style and fit).
Fit notes
- Warm hands measure slightly larger; measure at the end of the day.
- Wider bands feel tighter—consider half size up for bands ≥6 mm.
- Knuckle vs. base: choose a size that passes the knuckle but fits snug at the base.
For eternity/comfort-fit bands, professional sizing is recommended.
Half Gold Sovereign Queen Victoria Young Head Shield (1871–1887) – London Gold Emporium, Hatton Garden
The Half Gold Sovereign Queen Victoria Young Head Shield (1871–1887) represents a defining chapter in British coinage history. The Royal Mint produced this coin throughout the height of the Victorian era, striking it to the exacting 22-carat gold standard that British sovereign coinage has long maintained. As a result, collectors and investors across the UK continue to seek out this piece for both its numismatic significance and its intrinsic gold value. At London Gold Emporium, we authenticate every example before offering it for sale, so clients receive only genuine Victorian Royal Mint coins.
Purity & Certification
The Royal Mint struck this half sovereign in 916.7 fineness (22-carat) gold — the historic standard that British sovereign coinage has followed for centuries. Because The Royal Mint issued this coin as legal British tender, it carries inherent, universally recognised authenticity within the global precious metals trade. Moreover, London Gold Emporium verifies every coin individually before despatch, so you can buy with complete confidence.
Weight & Dimensions
This half sovereign carries a total weight of 3.99 grams and contains approximately 3.66 grams of pure gold. The coin measures approximately 19.30 mm in diameter, following the standard Royal Mint half sovereign specification throughout the 1871–1887 period. On the obverse, William Wyon’s Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria showcases remarkable engraving detail. In addition, the reverse features the heraldic shield design — the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom — rendered in the authoritative 19th-century style that collectors instantly recognise.
Packaging & Authentication (If Applicable)
As a genuine circulated Victorian coin, this half sovereign comes loose rather than in a modern assay card or sealed blister pack. However, London Gold Emporium carries out a thorough in-house authentication check on every coin before despatch. Furthermore, our team handles and packages each piece carefully to maintain its condition throughout transit to your door.
Delivery & Insurance
London Gold Emporium dispatches every order with fully insured, tracked delivery across the United Kingdom. Due to strong client demand for this coin, please allow up to 1–2 weeks for despatch. Alternatively, you can collect your purchase in person from our secure Hatton Garden premises at Unit 11, 99 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8NX. For any delivery queries, contact our team directly on +44 20 3345 5263.
Why Buy from London Gold Emporium
- We authenticate 100% of our precious metal products before every sale
- This coin qualifies as VAT-free investment gold under UK HMRC rules
- We provide fully insured tracked UK delivery or secure in-store collection at Hatton Garden
- Our Hatton Garden location offers a professional, discreet, and expert service
- Our specialist team advises clients on historic sovereign coinage and gold investment strategy
Payment Options
London Gold Emporium accepts bank transfer, debit card, and credit card payments. For buy-back enquiries or larger transactions, contact our team directly on +44 20 3345 5263, or visit us in store at Hatton Garden to discuss your requirements in person.
Authenticity & Returns
London Gold Emporium guarantees the authenticity of every item we sell. If you have any concerns about your purchase, contact our Hatton Garden team promptly within the applicable returns window. We stand fully behind every coin we offer, and we resolve all genuine concerns to the client’s satisfaction.
- Coin: Half Gold Sovereign Queen Victoria Young Head Shield (1871–1887)
- Manufacturer: The Royal Mint, United Kingdom
- Weight: 3.99g
- Fineness: 916.7 (22-carat gold)
- Era / Date Range: 1871–1887
- Condition: Circulated Victorian-era coin (condition varies per individual piece)
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer / Issuer | The Royal Mint, United Kingdom |
| Coin Type | Half Gold Sovereign |
| Series / Design | Queen Victoria Young Head – Shield Reverse |
| Date Range | 1871–1887 |
| Total Weight | 3.99 grams |
| Pure Gold Content | Approximately 3.66 grams |
| Fineness / Purity | 916.7 (22-carat gold) |
| Diameter | Approximately 19.30 mm |
| Obverse Design | Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria by William Wyon |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic shield – Royal Arms of the United Kingdom |
| Packaging | Loose coin; London Gold Emporium authenticates every piece before despatch |
| VAT Status | VAT-free – qualifies as investment gold under UK HMRC rules |
| Delivery | Fully insured, tracked UK delivery or in-store collection |
| Despatch Timeframe | Up to 1–2 weeks due to demand |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine Royal Mint coin?
Yes. The Royal Mint struck this half sovereign in 22-carat gold as official British legal tender. Furthermore, London Gold Emporium verifies every coin individually before sale, so you can buy with complete confidence.
Does this coin qualify as VAT-free?
Yes. This half sovereign meets HMRC investment gold criteria at 916.7 fineness. As a result, UK law fully exempts it from VAT, and London Gold Emporium charges no VAT on this purchase.
How is delivery handled, and is it insured?
We dispatch every order via fully insured, tracked courier across the UK. Please allow up to 1–2 weeks for despatch. Alternatively, collect in person at Unit 11, 99 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8NX.
What is your returns policy?
We guarantee the authenticity of every item we sell. If you have any concerns, contact our team on +44 20 3345 5263 or visit us in store, and we will resolve the matter promptly.
Do you offer a buy-back service?
Yes. London Gold Emporium operates a buy-back service for gold sovereigns and half sovereigns. Contact us on +44 20 3345 5263 or visit Hatton Garden for a current valuation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer, debit card, and credit card. For larger purchases, contact us in advance on +44 20 3345 5263 to discuss arrangements.
What condition are these coins in?
These are circulated Victorian coins, so each piece shows natural wear consistent with its age. Condition varies per individual coin. Contact us directly if you need details on a specific piece before purchasing.
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| Weight | 3.99 lbs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.99 Grams |
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