The First and Only Sovereign Struck on Indian Soil—A Legacy in Gold
A coin of historical depth and royal prestige, minted during a pivotal moment in colonial history—this is the 1918 India Sovereign, a truly rare and treasured artifact of the British Empire.

From the increasingly sought-after category of Indian coinage, this particular gold coin stands out for its outstanding preservation and deep historical value.

Design

• Obverse: Bust of King George V
  Inscription: GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP
  (“George V, by the Grace of God, King of all Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India”)

• Reverse: The iconic St. George slaying the dragon, a masterwork by Benedetto Pistrucci

  • Obverse Engraver: Edgar Bertram Mackennal

  • Reverse Engraver: Benedetto Pistrucci

Pistrucci's St. George design has been a defining feature of British sovereigns for over 200 years, celebrated for its dramatic composition, movement, and enduring symbolism.

Condition

Graded MS64 (Mint State) by NGC

• Certification Page: NGC #4732453-012

Coin Details

• Year of Issue: 1918

• Mint: Bombay (Mumbai), British India – mintmark “I”

• Denomination: 1 Sovereign = 1 Pound

• Mintage: 1,296,033 pieces

• Material: Gold

• Weight: 7.99g

• Diameter: 22mm

• Grade: MS64

• NGC Rank: 4th highest known grade

Highlights

★ Rarity
Although over 1.29 million coins were struck, this was a one-time issue, minted exclusively in 1918 as an emergency wartime measure.
The Bombay Mint (then Bombay, now Mumbai) was set up as a branch of the Royal Mint, but closed just eight months later in early 1919, making this a singular and short-lived production.

Most of the coins were exported for international payments, melted, or used in circulation—meaning few high-grade survivors remain today.

★ Condition

• MS64 (Mint State) – 4th highest grade awarded by NGC

• Despite being a circulated currency, this coin retains sharp strike details, minimal wear, and brilliant original luster.

• This level of preservation is extremely rare, making the coin not only beautiful but also a top-tier collectible.

★ Historical & Cultural Significance
This sovereign was minted at a time of global instability, near the end of World War I, as British India grappled with economic strain and silver shortages.
To stabilize the currency and maintain public trust, the British authorities resorted to minting gold sovereigns in Bombay.

King George V, depicted on the coin, was the first monarch to officially carry the title “Emperor of India”, and famously held his Delhi Durbar coronation in 1911—the only British monarch ever to visit India as reigning sovereign.

The 1918 India sovereign is one of the most unusual and symbolic entries in the long lineage of British gold coinage.
While sovereigns were minted in other colonies such as Australia, South Africa, and Canada, India saw only this one, fleeting issue.

The Bombay Mint remained closed for sovereign production until a commemorative strike was revived in 2013, but the original 1918 coin remains unmatched in historical stature.

Market Appeal

The sovereign is often called “the world’s most famous gold coin,” and the 1918 India sovereign is one of its most distinctive and desirable variants.

Collectors worldwide value it for:

• Its historical uniqueness

• Its limited geographic and chronological mintage

• Its impressive artistry and preserved condition

Despite its strong collector demand, it remains in a moderately accessible price range, making it a smart acquisition with strong investment upside.

Conclusion

This 1918 British India Sovereign, graded MS64, is a compelling blend of empire, artistry, and economic history.
It stands as a rare intersection of colonial policy, global war, and royal symbolism—immortalized in gold.

Whether you’re building a portfolio of imperial coinage, or seeking a centerpiece for your historic gold collection, this coin is a crown jewel in every sense.

Own it now, while it remains within reach—and before it disappears into the hands of the next generation of collectors.