Classification

Scarcity Rating
Common
More than 100,000 are believed to exist. Readily available.
Recognition Status
Catalogued Variation
Separately catalogued as a distinct variation in standard references.

Evidence

Struck Mintage
8,767,250
Issue Format
Circulation
Data Confidence
High
Classification Confidence
Medium
Verification
Verified

Design Information

Reverse Design
Crowned Shield (Merlen)
Designer
Jean Baptiste Merlen (reverse), William Wyon (obverse)

Design information is recorded as factual metadata. It does not affect the Scarcity Rating.

Classification Reasoning

The 1871 London Full Sovereign (Circulation) has been classified with Scarcity Rating: Common and Recognition Status: Catalogued Variation. Verified struck mintage: 8,767,250. Scarcity is determined by production volume (PE band: Common). No independent survival evidence is available for this historic issue. Recognition: separately catalogued as a distinct variation in standard references. Design: Crowned Shield (Merlen) by Jean Baptiste Merlen (reverse), William Wyon (obverse). Data Confidence: High. Classification Confidence: Medium. Verification status: Verified. Supported by Tier 1 (mint-published) source. Classification is condition-independent. Design significance is recorded as metadata and does not affect the Scarcity Rating.

Sources

  1. Annual Report of the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint (cited mintage: 8,767,250) Tier 1
  2. English Gold Coinage by Michael Marsh , 2023 edition , p. p.45 (cited mintage: 8,767,250) Tier 2

Contextual Notes

The following information is provided for context only and does not affect the Scarcity Rating or Recognition Status.

Shield reverse