HISTORY OF THE SOVEREIGN GOLD COIN Skip to main content

Gold Coins of the Philippines: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Wealth

By LESME GUTIERREZ CARTABON JR columns
Introduction: The Enduring Allure of Gold Coins For centuries, gold has symbolized wealth, power, and beauty. In the Philippines, gold coins represent more than just currency—they echo stories of ancient trade, colonial conquests, national identity, and modern investment. Whether you're a collector, historian, or investor, understanding the rich history of Philippine gold coins is both fascinating and rewarding. In this article, we’ll journey through the evolution of gold coinage in the Philippines, from pre-colonial piloncitos and barter rings to Spanish-era gold pesos, American-period issues, and modern commemorative coins. Let’s dive deep into the golden legacy that continues to shine in Filipino culture. Pre-Colonial Gold Currency: Piloncitos and Barter Rings The Era Before Foreign Rule Long before Spanish galleons arrived on Philippine shores, indigenous Filipinos had already developed their own form of currency. Archaeological discoveries reveal that early Filipinos traded ...
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HISTORY OF THE SOVEREIGN GOLD COIN

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By LESME GUTIERREZ CARTABON JR columns
## 🏛️ HISTORY OF THE SOVEREIGN GOLD COIN The **Sovereign Gold Coin** has a long and colorful history that dates all the way back to **1489**, during the reign of **King Henry VII** of England. It was created as a symbol of royal power and strength, and was even referred to as the “royal coin.” However, the **modern Sovereign** as we know it—used for investment and collection—was reintroduced in **1817**, after the Napoleonic Wars. The goal was to establish a standardized gold coinage to support Britain’s new post-war economy. ### 🔄 Revival During Queen Elizabeth II's Reign When **Queen Elizabeth II** ascended the throne in **1952**, a new chapter for the Sovereign coin began. In **1957**, the Royal Mint decided to resume production of the **gold Sovereign coin**, now bearing the Queen's portrait. From then on, the Royal Mint would issue Sovereigns either annually or in select years for various purposes: - **Legal Tender** – Although not commonly used for transactions, the coin is still legal currency. - **Bullion Coin** – Used as a gold investment product. - **Commemorative Coin** – Released to mark special royal occasions (birthdays, jubilees, etc.) - **Proof Coin** – High-quality coins made specifically for collectors. The coin has since become one of the **most recognized gold coins in the world**, thanks to Britain’s reputation, beautiful design, and consistent gold purity. --- ## 👑 THE QUEEN’S PORTRAITS (Portrait Evolution) Over the Queen’s 70+ year reign, five official portraits were used on the Sovereign coin: 1. **Mary Gillick (1953–1968)** – A youthful image of the Queen without a crown. Used in the first Elizabeth II Sovereigns. 2. **Arnold Machin (1968–1985)** – Shows a more mature Queen wearing a royal tiara. 3. **Raphael Maklouf (1985–1998)** – More detailed, giving a regal and elegant appearance. 4. **Ian Rank-Broadley (1998–2015)** – A realistic depiction, showing the Queen’s aging with dignity. 5. **Jody Clark (2015–2022)** – The final portrait before her death, showcasing a modern and dynamic profile. --- ## ⚖️ COMPOSITION OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II SOVEREIGN COIN The Sovereign coin is famously minted in **22 karat gold**—which means it’s made of 91.67% pure gold, alloyed with copper for strength and durability. ### 🧪 Detailed Composition: | Feature | Value / Description | |----------------------|-----------------------------------| | **Weight** | 7.98 grams | | **Gold Content** | 7.3224 grams (0.2354 troy oz) | | **Purity** | 22k (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper) | | **Diameter** | 22.05 mm | | **Thickness** | 1.52 mm | | **Metal Mix** | Gold + Copper (Crown Gold) | The copper gives the coin a **slightly reddish tint**, sometimes called **“red gold”** or **“crown gold.”** --- ## 🧠 WHY WAS THIS COIN MADE? There are several reasons why the Queen Elizabeth II Sovereign Gold Coin was created and continues to be minted: ### 🔸 1. **Symbol of Monarchy** It served as a representation of royal authority and continuity, in line with traditions going back centuries. ### 🔸 2. **International Trade** The Sovereign was accepted around the world, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, used as a **trusted international currency.** ### 🔸 3. **Investment Tool** It’s not just a collector’s item—it’s a **form of gold investment**, due to its purity, global recognition, and limited mintage. ### 🔸 4. **Cultural Significance** The coin has marked major royal milestones, such as jubilees and royal anniversaries, becoming a symbol of British heritage. ### 🔸 5. **Collectible Value** Each edition has a unique date or design, making it highly sought-after by collectors—especially **proof coins** or limited releases. --- ## 💰 CURRENT VALUE (As of 2025) The value of a Queen Elizabeth II Sovereign depends on **its year, type** (bullion vs. proof), and **condition**: - **Bullion Coins** – Typically range from **$790–$860 USD** (₱45,000–₱55,000) - **Proof Editions** – Can go from **$1,000 to $3,800+ USD** (₱60,000–₱200,000+) - **Melt Value** – Based on the gold content (7.3224g), the melt value is around **₱43,000+** --- ## 📌 POPULAR YEARS TO COLLECT Some specific years are especially collectible due to low mintage or special designs: 1. **1957 Sovereign** – First year with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait. 2. **1979–1982** – Scarce issues with high collector demand. 3. **2002** – Golden Jubilee edition (features a different reverse design). 4. **2012** – Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee. 5. **2022** – Platinum Jubilee, the last Sovereign issued under her name. --- If you'd like, I can help you turn this into a **video script** for *COINS CITY*, with a structured narration and suggested visuals! Want to go ahead with that?

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Exploring the World of Collectible Coins, Antique Items, and Vintage Finds

By LESME GUTIERREZ CARTABON JR columns
Introduction In a world that moves at the speed of technology, there is something profoundly special about holding a piece of history in your hands. Whether it’s a gleaming coin from centuries past, an intricately crafted piece of antique furniture, or a vintage item brimming with stories, collectibles connect us to another era. These treasures tell the tales of artistry, culture, and human achievement, offering not just beauty but also a profound sense of continuity. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of collectible coins, antique items, and vintage treasures. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, this article will help you appreciate, understand, and perhaps even start your own collection of timeless wonders. Chapter 1: The Fascination with Collectible Coins 1.1 A Journey Through History Coins are more than mere currency; they are miniature time capsules. From ancient civilizations to modern-day commemoratives, coins ...
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The Untold Story of the Philippine Peso: A Journey Through Time

By LESME GUTIERREZ CARTABON JR columns
Introduction The Philippine Peso (₱), known in Filipino as "Piso," is more than just a currency. It is a living chronicle of the country’s long and complex journey—through colonization, revolution, independence, modernization, and globalization. While most people view money merely as a medium of exchange, the peso tells a story embedded in history, politics, art, and national identity. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the untold story of the Philippine Peso, from its early forms during pre-colonial times to its present-day evolution. We’ll explore the people, events, and forces that shaped this currency and how it reflects the Filipino spirit. Chapter 1: The Pre-Hispanic Beginnings – Before the Peso Before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, native communities already practiced trade using a system of barter. Eventually, local forms of currency evolved: 1.1 Barter Rings and Gold Piloncitos Piloncitos were tiny, bead-like gold pieces resembling grain...
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The Timeless Allure of Collectible Coins, Antique Treasures, and Vintage Finds

By LESME GUTIERREZ CARTABON JR columns
In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, the timeless charm of collectible coins, antique treasures, and vintage items offers a comforting glimpse into the past. These tangible pieces of history hold not only monetary value but also stories, emotions, and an irreplaceable sense of wonder. For collectors, hobbyists, and investors alike, the hunt for these treasures becomes a passionate pursuit, blending history, art, and culture. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the fascinating world of collectibles, understand their historical importance, learn how to start and grow a collection, and uncover tips to make your collecting journey successful and enjoyable. 1. The Fascination with Collectibles: Why We Collect Humans have always had an innate desire to preserve and cherish things that matter to them. Collecting coins, antiques, and vintage items connects us to: History: Every item tells a story from a bygone era. Artistry: The craftsmanship of old items oft...
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