During World War I Great Britain suspended the production of the sovereign at the Royal Mint (although Branch mints continued to produce large quantities of the coin). In 1925 Britain, under Winston Churchill, attempted a return to the gold standard. At that time the Royal Mint took the opportunity to melt and re-strike worn gold coins that the Bank of England was holding. There was no intention that the sovereign would reclaim its place among the coins in circulation, just that the Bank would be holding full weight coins. Branch mints continued sovereign production until 1931 (Australia) and 1932 (South Africa) but the Royal Mint did not resume the denomination.

However from 1949 until 1952 sovereigns bearing the date 1925 were again struck (138,000 in 1949; 318,000 in 1951 and 430,000 in 1952). The reason given for using the head of George V and the 1925 date at that time was that there was a 'perceived need for familiarity' and the reason for producing a sovereign at all was to 'maintain a craft skill' at the Royal Mint. While both of these points no doubt had some relevance, it seems the the need to address foreign unofficial sovereign production was paramount. The sovereign had become an important coin in European circulation during World War II and a demand needed to be met.

Years of Issue: 1949-1951

Obverse: George V

Diameter: 22.05mm

Reverse: St George and the Dragon

Weight: 7.98g

Country: United Kingdom

Metal: 22 Carat Gold