In 1928, the newly established Pretoria Mint was preparing to strike gold Sovereigns for the first time under its own authority, having previously operated as a branch of the Royal Mint. Trial pieces in bronze were struck to test dies and adjust machinery before committing to gold production. This piece is one of those working patterns — functional in purpose, not intended for display or presentation.
Pretoria's first circulating Sovereigns entered production that same year, making this pattern contemporary with the actual issue it preceded.
In 1928, the newly established Pretoria Mint was preparing to strike gold Sovereigns for the first time under its own authority, having previously operated as a branch of the Royal Mint. Trial pieces in bronze were struck to test dies and adjust machinery before committing to gold production. This piece is one of those working patterns — functional in purpose, not intended for display or presentation.
Pretoria's first circulating Sovereigns entered production that same year, making this pattern contemporary with the actual issue it preceded.