Victoria gold Sovereign 1839 AU53 NGC, KM736.1, S-3852, Marsh-23 (R2). Total mintage of 503,695.....anybody's guess how many survived the wars, recycling and just plain and simple loss!! A total of 29 coins graded between NGC and PCGS. The 1839 Proof sovereigns and half sovs are actually more readily available and in higher grades since these were minted for collectors or as gifts and were preserved. The business strike, on the other hand was heavily circulated and much harder to find than the 1938 sovereign (the first year of her reign): Auctioneer's photos and description: The extremely rare second year Sovereign of Victoria. Older, more worn Sovereigns circulating in the later 19th century were typically melted down to recycle into new coins, and so the first years of Victoria's reign are scarcely represented in gold coinage; 1838, her first year, is similarly rare but perhaps more commonly seen in higher grades as wealthier citizens were more prone to save these first year Sovereigns as mementoes. Consequently, 1839 Sovereigns were more heavily circulated and are generally found in XF grades or lower making this AU example rare amongst rarities! Much residual luster in the peripheries and a strong eye-appeal overall, truly a pleasing specimen of this rare Sovereign.
