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The Canada Gold Sovereign 1911C is a rare and highly sought-after coin, known for its historical significance and beautiful design. The coin was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1911 and is part of the broader history of gold sovereign coins produced across the British Empire. Sovereigns were first struck in Britain in 1817 and were later produced by various mints in the Empire, including Canada. The 1911C version is especially notable due to its limited mintage and its place in Canada’s numismatic history, making it a valuable piece for collectors. As one of the few gold sovereigns produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin holds a unique place in both Canadian and British coinage history.
The 1911C Gold Sovereign is struck in .917 pure gold, weighing approximately 7.98 grams, which is the standard for British sovereign coins. It features a face value of one pound, although the coin’s actual gold content is worth considerably more in the precious metals market. The Royal Canadian Mint was established in 1908, and this coin marks one of the earlier examples of sovereigns being produced in Canada. Prior to 1911, sovereigns were struck by the British Royal Mint and were distributed across the Empire. The decision to mint sovereigns in Canada was part of the country’s growing presence in global coinage, and the 1911C serves as a symbol of Canada’s increasing role in the international economy during the early 20th century.
The design of the 1911C Gold Sovereign is based on the classic British sovereign design by renowned engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. On the obverse, the coin features a portrait of King George V, who became king in 1910. The image of King George V on this coin is particularly important because it is one of the first major coins to feature his likeness after he ascended to the throne. The King’s effigy is surrounded by the inscription “GEORGIUS V D.G. BRITT. OMN. REX F.D. IND. IMP.,” which translates to “George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.” This inscription reflects the imperial nature of the British monarchy at the time, with King George V reigning over a vast empire that spanned across multiple continents.
The reverse of the 1911C Gold Sovereign is where the coin’s design truly stands out. It depicts St. George, the patron saint of England, mounted on horseback, striking down a dragon with a spear. This iconic image, which has been featured on sovereigns since the early 19th century, symbolizes victory, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil. The design was originally created by Pistrucci for the 1817 sovereign, and it has been used in various forms across multiple sovereign issues over the years. The 1911C Gold Sovereign features this design with slight modifications to reflect the specific year and mint of production. Below St. George’s figure is the date “1911” and the mintmark “C” indicating that the coin was minted in Canada.
As a part of its production, the 1911C Gold Sovereign was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The mint was relatively young at the time, having been established just a few years earlier in 1908, and the production of gold sovereigns in Canada marked an important step in the Mint’s development. The Royal Canadian Mint was tasked with striking sovereigns not only for the Canadian market but also for the British Empire. The coin was produced alongside other types of currency and coinage issued by the British government, including other gold sovereigns. The mintage of the 1911C Gold Sovereign was relatively low, making it a rare find today, especially in uncirculated condition. Its production at the Royal Canadian Mint also helps solidify its status as a significant historical coin.
The mintage of the 1911C Gold Sovereign is limited, with only about 500,000 pieces being struck. This relatively low mintage, combined with the coin’s age, has made it a prized item for collectors. The 1911C sovereign is considered one of the rarer sovereigns produced during King George V’s reign, making it an essential piece for collectors of British and Canadian numismatics. Over the years, the 1911C has become increasingly valuable, and its price continues to rise as demand for rare and historical coins grows. The limited availability and historical significance contribute to its high value in the market today.
The condition of the 1911C Gold Sovereign is a critical factor in determining its value. The coin in question, described as "UNC" (Uncirculated), means that the coin has been preserved in pristine condition with little to no wear. An uncirculated coin has retained all of its original detail, with sharp features and a clean surface. The 1911C Gold Sovereign, especially in uncirculated condition, is highly sought after by collectors for its rarity and quality. A coin of this caliber can command a significant premium in the market due to its exceptional state of preservation, and it is often graded by professional numismatic services such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
As an uncirculated coin, the 1911C Gold Sovereign is a stunning example of the Royal Canadian Mint’s craftsmanship. The lustrous, brilliant finish of an uncirculated coin makes it particularly attractive, and its details—such as the intricate design of St. George and the dragon, as well as the fine lines of King George V’s portrait—are sharp and crisp. Collectors who are fortunate enough to acquire an uncirculated example of the 1911C will appreciate the high level of artistry and quality that went into its production. This coin, like others in the sovereign series, stands as a testament to the expertise of the engravers and mint workers who produced it.
The 1911C Gold Sovereign, with its historic design, limited mintage, and superb condition, is a valuable piece for collectors and investors alike. Its combination of artistic beauty and historical significance makes it an essential addition to any collection focused on British or Canadian coins. The gold content, coupled with the coin’s collectible appeal, ensures that the 1911C Gold Sovereign will remain an important piece in the world of numismatics for years to come. Whether as a collector's item or as a part of a larger investment portfolio, the 1911C Gold Sovereign is a remarkable coin that embodies the rich history of the British Empire and Canada’s growing role in global numismatics during the early 20th century.