1886 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back Sydney Mint

Coin Specifications

• Year: 1886
• Monarch: Queen Victoria
• Portrait Type: Young Head (William Wyon)
• Mint: Sydney Mint | Mintmark: S
• Country of Issue: United Kingdom / Australia
• Metal: 22 Carat Gold (.9167)
• Weight: 7.98g total | 7.32g pure gold (0.2354 troy oz)
• Diameter: 22.05mm
• Reverse Design: Shield Back Royal Arms
• Face Value: £1 (Legal Tender)
• CGT Status: Exempt for UK Residents — see our CGT-free gold guide
• VAT Status: VAT Free Investment Gold

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The 1886 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield Back Sydney Mint is one of the most desirable and historically significant British gold sovereigns ever produced. Struck in 22-carat gold at the famous Sydney Mint in Australia, this rare Victorian-era Sovereign combines exceptional historical importance, investment-grade gold content, and strong collector demand.

Featuring the iconic Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria alongside the classic Shield Back reverse design, the 1886 Sydney Mint Sovereign remains a standout coin within the long and prestigious history of British Sovereign coinage.

The History Behind the 1886 Sydney Mint Sovereign

The Gold Sovereign is one of the most famous and trusted gold coins ever produced. First introduced in 1817 by The Royal Mint, the Sovereign quickly became the cornerstone of international trade. The Sydney Mint became the first overseas branch of The Royal Mint and played a crucial role in supplying gold Sovereigns throughout the Empire. Read more: The History of Gold as Money.

Queen Victoria Young Head Design

The obverse features the famous Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by celebrated engraver William Wyon. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful royal portraits ever used on British coinage, the Young Head design appeared on Sovereigns between 1838 and 1887. Learn how to verify a gold coin is genuine and avoid fake gold coins.

Rare Shield Back Reverse Design

Unlike the more commonly encountered St George and the Dragon Sovereigns, Shield Back Sovereigns feature the Royal Coat of Arms surrounded by an ornate crowned shield design. Many collectors consider the Shield Back design to be among the most attractive Sovereign reverses ever produced. See our British Hallmark Guide and Gold Purity Guide for more context.

Why Invest in an 1886 Gold Sovereign?

• Historic Queen Victoria Young Head portrait — one of the most collected Sovereign types
• Scarcer Shield Back reverse design — adds numismatic premium
• Sydney Mint “S” mintmark — especially desirable to Australian and British colonial collectors
• CGT-exempt for UK residents — read our CGT-free gold guide
• 22-carat gold content with strong global liquidity
• Over 130 years old — surviving examples in good condition increasingly scarce

Not sure whether coins or bars suit you? Read: Gold Coins vs Gold Bars and New vs Pre-Owned Bullion. See also: Britannia vs Sovereign: Which Is Best?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1886 Sydney Mint Gold Sovereign CGT exempt?

Yes. The Gold Sovereign is British legal tender with a face value of £1, making it exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents regardless of the year or mint of issue. See our CGT-free gold guide.

How much gold is in the 1886 Sovereign?

The 1886 Sovereign contains 7.32 grams of pure gold (0.2354 troy oz) in a 22 carat (.9167 fine) alloy, with a total coin weight of 7.98g — the standard full Sovereign specification unchanged since 1817.

What makes the Sydney Mint “S” mintmark special?

The Sydney Mint was the first overseas branch of The Royal Mint, established in 1855 to process gold from the Australian gold rush. Sovereigns struck there carry an “S” mintmark on the reverse. Colonial mint Sovereigns are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, often carrying a premium above standard London Mint issues.

What is a Shield Back Sovereign?

Shield Back Sovereigns feature the Royal Coat of Arms within an ornate crowned shield on the reverse, rather than the more familiar St George and the Dragon. Shield Back designs were used until 1887, making the 1886 issue one of the last years of this reverse. They are considered rarer and more collectible than standard St George reverses of the same period.

Is the 1886 Gold Sovereign VAT free?

Yes. As investment gold and UK legal tender, the 1886 Gold Sovereign is exempt from VAT in the UK.

Why Buy From 999 Bullion?

• ✔ Every Sovereign carefully inspected for authenticity and quality
• ✔ Competitive pricing based on live gold markets — check Today's Prices
• ✔ Secure UK delivery, fully insured — see Shipping Policy
• ✔ Trusted Hatton Garden precious metals dealer
• ✔ Verified customer reviews
• ✔ Buy Back Guarantee
• ✔ Expert support — contact our team

Related Guides

• Best Gold Coins for UK Investors
• CGT-Free Gold Coins in the UK
• How to Invest in Gold for Beginners
• Gold Coins vs Gold Bars
• How to Verify a Gold Coin Is Genuine
• How to Avoid Fake Gold Coins
• New vs Pre-Owned Bullion
• Is Gold a Good Hedge Against Inflation?
• The History of Gold as Money
• Learning Hub — All Guides

Also Consider

• Best Value Mixed Year Gold Sovereign
• 1884 Victorian Gold Sovereign
• 1982 Half Sovereign
• 2025 Gold Britannia