Victoria 1887-M Sovereign, Melbourne, 2nd legend, angled J, DISH M8, ex Thorburn

Victoria (1837-1901), gold Sovereign, 1887 M, Melbourne Mint, Australia, Jubilee style bust facing left, small crown and veil on head, the top cross clear of rim with pellet above, raised J.E.B. initials close on truncation with right angled imperfect J, second abbreviated legend, G: closer to crown, toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D: rev. St George and dragon right, horse with short tail, broken lance to left on ground-line, tiny WWP under lance, M mint mark at centre of ground-line, date in exergue, initials B.P to upper right, weight 8.00g (DISH M8 R; Bentley 792; QM 128; Hill 131E R; Bull EGC 1750 R; S.3867B). Lightly toned with some light surface marks both sides, practically extremely fine and scarce.

Calendar year mintage 170,908 - this figure is adjusted to subtract those estimated to have been struck with the hooked J type initials, and the second type legend.

The Latin legend translates as "Victoria by the grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith."

See "The Jubilee Head Gold Sovereign 1887-1893" by David Iverson and the subsequent "The Iverson Collection" booklets for further information and tabulation of the relevant varieties.

Provenance:

Ex London Coins Auction 133, 5^th June 2011, lot 996.

Ex Thorburn Collection of 1887, Sovereign Rarities Auction 19, 23rd September 2025, lot 45.