Catalogue
| Émetteur | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Année | 1923-1928 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Sovereign |
| Devise | Pound (1825-1961) |
| Composition | Gold (.917) |
| Poids | 7.99 g |
| Diamètre | 22.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | 1.55 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | Obverse: Edgar Bertram MacKennal Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci |
| En circulation jusqu’à | 31 March 1961 |
| Référence(s) | KM#21, Hern#S338-343 |
| Description de l’avers | King George V bare head left, legend around |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP: B.M. (Translation: George the Fifth by the Grace of God King of all the Britains Defender of the Faith Emperor of India) |
| Description du revers | St George slaying the dragon right, date in exergue, mintmark under horse`s hooves |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | SA BP 1927 |
| Tranche | Reeded |
| Atelier |
SA Pretoria, South Africa(1890-1902, 1923-1992) |
| Tirage |
1923 SA - Hern#S338 - 64 1923 SA - Hern#S338; Proof - 655 1924 SA - Hern#S339 - 3 184 1925 SA - Hern#S340 - 6 086 000 1926 SA - Hern#S341 - 11 108 000 1927 SA - Hern#S342 - 16 379 999 1928 SA - Hern#S343 - 18 235 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 3687817920 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 1923-1928 George V Sovereign from South Africa emerges from a pivotal era for the dominion. King George V reigned during a period of significant imperial change, with South Africa gaining greater autonomy within the British Commonwealth. These sovereigns, struck at the newly established Pretoria Mint (identifiable by the 'SA' mint mark), symbolize South Africa's growing economic independence and its enduring role as a global gold producer. They served as both circulating currency and a vital store of wealth, reflecting the stability of the gold standard in the interwar years.
Artistry: The coin features the distinguished bare head effigy of King George V on the obverse, masterfully sculpted by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, reflecting the realism characteristic of early 20th-century British portraiture. The reverse proudly displays Benedetto Pistrucci's iconic neoclassical rendition of St. George slaying the Dragon, a design synonymous with the British sovereign since 1817. This enduring motif, with its dynamic composition, showcases the timeless appeal of classical allegorical art within numismatics.
Technical/Grading: For collectors, assessing the strike quality of these 'SA' mint sovereigns is crucial. Key high-points on the obverse include the hair above George V's ear and his mustache. On the reverse, critical areas are St. George's helmet, his raised arm, and the intricate scales on the dragon's body. Well-struck examples will exhibit full detail in these areas, particularly the fine lines of the dragon's wings and the definition of St. George's musculature. Weak strikes often manifest as flatness on the highest relief points, diminishing overall eye appeal.