Edward VIII Gold Sovereign – One of the Rarest Coins in British History

Edward VIII was a British monarch whose brief reign and personal choices sparked one of the greatest controversies in modern royal history. Born on June 23, 1894, as the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary, Edward was charismatic, popular, and widely regarded as a modern prince, bringing a fresh approach to the traditional monarchy. His path to the throne seemed clear—until he fell in love with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was twice divorced.

Edward ascended the throne in January 1936 after his father’s passing. However, his reign quickly became overshadowed by his relationship with Wallis, a relationship that went against the Church of England’s teachings at the time. As king, Edward was also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, which prohibited the remarriage of divorced individuals with living ex-spouses. Faced with the choice between the throne and his love for Wallis, Edward chose to abdicate in December 1936, becoming the first British monarch to voluntarily relinquish the crown.

After abdicating, Edward became the Duke of Windsor and married Wallis Simpson in 1937. The couple spent much of their lives in France, far from the British throne and public eye. Although Edward’s time as king was brief, it left an indelible mark on history and royal protocol. His decision also led to an extraordinary legacy in coinage. The coins prepared during his short reign, including the sovereign coin, remain among the rarest and most coveted by collectors due to their unique backstory and limited production.

The Edward VIII coins are some of the rarest in British history, with only a handful ever produced—and none officially released to the public. The story behind these elusive coins begins with Edward’s brief and controversial reign, which disrupted the usual processes of minting and distributing new coinage for a monarch. His abdication, combined with his unconventional choices for his coins’ design, created a perfect storm of rarity and intrigue, making these coins extraordinarily valuable for collectors today.

Typically, when a new monarch ascends the throne, the Royal Mint begins designing and producing new coins to replace those of the previous ruler. For Edward VIII, this process started in early 1936. Several coin designs were prepared, including sovereigns, crowns, and other denominations. However, Edward’s unexpected abdication at the end of that year threw the entire process into disarray.

Once Edward stepped down, the minting of his coins was abruptly halted. The sovereigns and other coins featuring his likeness were never put into official circulation, and most of them were either destroyed or withheld by the Royal Mint. As a result, only a few prototype coins survived, many of which are in the possession of museums or private collectors. Because no Edward VIII coins were distributed to the public, the few that do exist are incredibly rare and command exceptionally high prices at auction, demonstrating the wide variance in values between different Sovereign coins.

Adding to the coins’ uniqueness is a small yet significant detail: Edward VIII broke with a centuries-old tradition regarding the direction of the monarch’s portrait. Traditionally, British monarchs alternate the direction in which their profile faces on coins with each new reign. Following this custom, Edward’s portrait should have faced right, as his predecessor, George V, faced left. However, Edward preferred his left side and insisted that his portrait also face that way—a decision that defied royal tradition.

This choice sparked controversy within the Royal Mint, as it challenged a long-standing rule that had been followed for centuries. Edward’s insistence on this detail made the design of his coins even more distinctive. As a result, the Edward VIII sovereign coin remains unique in the lineage of British coinage, with an unconventional portrait that adds further appeal and mystery to its story. The subsequent George VI Sovereign coins also faced left, demonstrating the disapproval of Edward’s choice, by almost dismissing its left-facing aspect.

Beyond its design and controversial portrait aspect, the Edward VIII sovereign coin features the technical specifications typical of British gold sovereigns. Made from 22-carat gold, the coin has a diameter of 22 millimetres and weighs approximately 7.98 grams. The coin’s edge is milled, a traditional detail that not only enhances its appearance but also helps prevent counterfeiting.

The reverse side of the coin features the classic design of Saint George slaying the dragon, a motif created by the renowned engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This iconic design has been a staple of British sovereign coins for over a century, symbolizing strength, bravery, and victory. The Edward VIII sovereign follows this tradition on its reverse, blending a classic symbol with a modernized, personal portrait of the king on its obverse.

For a coin as rare as the Edward VIII sovereign, provenance is one of the most important indicators of authenticity. Legitimate coins will typically come with extensive documentation, tracing ownership back to their origins at the Royal Mint. This record may include certificates, auction records, or other documentation from reputable dealers or auction houses. Collectors should carefully review any accompanying paperwork to confirm the coin’s lineage and verify that it aligns with the known history of Edward VIII sovereigns.

Given the coin’s rarity and value, having an Edward VIII sovereign authenticated by an established expert or third-party certification service is highly advisable. Professional numismatists use specialized tools to assess the coin’s metal content, weight, and details under magnification, ensuring no aspect of the coin is inconsistent with known authentic pieces.

Because of the coin’s uniqueness, prospective buyers should only seek Edward VIII sovereigns from reputable sources. Some of the most trusted avenues include:

1. The Royal Mint

As the originator of Edward VIII sovereigns, the Royal Mint occasionally holds or auctions these rare coins, offering a reliable source for authentic items.

2. Major Auction Houses

Prestigious auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Heritage Auctions have a long history of handling high-value numismatic items and usually guarantee authenticity. They also provide detailed provenance and expert certifications.

3. Certified Numismatic Dealers

The British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) and other international numismatic associations can help locate trusted gold dealers who specialize in high-value British coins. Such dealers adhere to strict standards, offering assurance in authenticity and fair pricing.

4. Third-Party Grading Services

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are renowned for their rigorous authentication processes. A certified Edward VIII sovereign from either service includes detailed grading and authenticity verification.

Are there any coins with Edward VIII on?

Yes, there are coins featuring Edward VIII, but they are extremely rare. While no coins were officially circulated due to his abdication in 1936, a few pattern coins were produced and are now highly valuable collector’s items. The Royal Mint Museum holds some of the finest examples of these pattern coins.

Are Edward VII Sovereigns rare?

Generally Edward VII Sovereigns aren’t rare. However, those minted in limited quantities at branch mints like Ottawa (marked with a “C”) and Sydney have increased scarcity and value. Coins from 1908, 1909, and 1910 are particularly sought after by collectors, making them highly valuable.

What is the rarest coin in the world?

The rarest coin in the world is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, believed to be the first silver dollar minted in the U.S. Only a few are known to exist, with one specimen selling for over $10 million. Its rarity, historical significance, and condition make it one of the most valuable coins globally.

Image credits: Independent.co.uk