1888-M Gold Sovereign – Melbourne Mint

Queen Victoria “First Legend” Jubilee Bust | Rare Variety

Offered by Pocket Treasures Coins & Collectables, this highly sought-after 1888 Melbourne Mint sovereign represents an exceptional opportunity to secure a scarce and historically important Australian gold issue.

Coin Highlights

• Year: 1888
• Mint: Melbourne (“M”)
• Denomination: Sovereign
• Composition: Gold
• Weight: 7.96g
• Edge: Milled
• Obverse: Jubilee bust of Queen Victoria facing left, engraver initials J.E.B. (J. Edgar Boehm), Latin legend with toothed border
• Reverse: St George slaying the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci, B.P. initials to upper right, date in exergue

The “First Legend” Variety

This example features the earlier First Legend obverse reading:

“VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:”
Translation: “Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith.”

The Melbourne Mint had already transitioned to the later Second Legend after 1887. It is believed that a limited number of 1888-dated sovereigns were struck using remaining First Legend dies to avoid waste—resulting in a scarce and highly collectible transitional variety.

Condition

• Toned surfaces with numerous marks consistent with circulation
  
• Strong historical character and original detail

Despite honest wear, this remains a very rare and desirable Melbourne Mint sovereign, seldom encountered in the marketplace.

Mintage & Rarity

• Calendar year mintage: 2,830,000
• First Legend 1888-M variety: Produced in very small numbers within the total output, making it significantly scarcer than standard issues.

Why Collect This Coin?

• Transitional die variety from a pivotal period in Melbourne Mint production
• Classic St George & Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci
• Genuine Victorian-era Australian gold
• Increasingly difficult to source, particularly identifiable varieties

A standout addition for collectors of:

• Australian sovereigns
• Melbourne Mint issues
• Victorian gold coinage
• Rare die varieties

Availability

A rare opportunity to secure an 1888-M First Legend Sovereign with strong collector appeal and historical significance.

Available now at Pocket Treasures Coins & Collectables
Secure this scarce gold sovereign before it disappears into a private collection.