The Royal Mint has launched the 2026 Bullion Sovereign Collection with advanced security features, positioning it among the most visually secure bullion coins available to investors.
As global gold prices reach unprecedented heights and coin collecting remains popular, The Royal Mint has unveiled The 2026 Sovereign Collection, comprising of both commemorative and bullion editions.
For the first time, the bullion edition of The Sovereign features three advanced security features, joining the Britannia in becoming one of the most visually secure bullion coins on the market. These include micro-text, a secure background pattern and a latent image, enabling instant authentication. The collection also marks a significant return to traditional yellow gold for the first time in decades, bringing together heritage, craftsmanship and the security investors are seeking in today’s market.
With a history spanning centuries, the Sovereign is widely recognised as the ‘chief coin of the world’. The 2026 edition also commemorates 500 years since St George, England’s patron saint, first appeared on English coins, as well as half a millennium of 22-carat gold in British coinage, combining heritage, craftsmanship, and modern security in one iconic coin.
The Royal Mint has continued to experience strong demand for gold in 2025, with total coin sales revenue up 102% year-on-year in its second quarter (July – September 2025). This growth reflects the sustained appeal of trusted, tangible assets such as The Sovereign within diversified investment portfolios.
Struck in 22 carat gold, The Sovereign’s weight is guaranteed to five decimal places, maintaining its reputation as one of the most tightly specified coins in the world. With the addition of these security features on both sides, the 2026 Bullion Sovereign offers investors enhanced confidence and trust.
Andrew Dickey, Director of Precious Metals at The Royal Mint, said:
“The Royal Mint’s 2026 Bullion Sovereign sets a new standard for investor confidence. Our Sovereign bullion range is already one of the most sought-after coins in the world, and this edition, struck in yellow gold, globally recognised and CGT- and VAT-exempt in the UK, features advanced security elements for instant authentication, making it even more appealing for investors seeking a diversified portfolio.”
The Sovereign’s long history, stretching back over 500 years, highlights its enduring appeal and as one of the most recognisable coins, Sovereigns are universally trusted and sought after. This global recognition ensures strong consistent demand on the secondary market meaning a Sovereign can be easily traded or sold anywhere in the world. In 2020, The 1937 Edward VIII Sovereign sold for £1 million, and at the time of sale, was the most expensive UK coin ever sold, demonstrating the remarkable value exceptional Sovereigns can achieve.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said:
“The 2026 Sovereign celebrates a remarkable union of heritage and milestones. It’s 500 years since St George first graced English coinage and since 22 carat gold has been in use, making it a fitting time, to return to yellow gold. Featuring Pistrucci's masterful design, the coin speaks to both our rich numismatic history and the enduring collectability of The Sovereign itself. Our collectors have been clear in their passion for traditional yellow gold, and this move reflects our commitment to creating coins that will be treasured by generations to come.”
Benedetto Pistrucci's iconic portrayal of St George and the dragon, one of the most recognisable and sought-after coin designs in numismatic history, continues its annual appearance on the 2026 Sovereign.
