The obverse: The mints were pressed to keep pace with Queen Victoria's 64 year reign. Several different portraits were utilized beginning with the Young Head Portrait (1838-1887), followed by the Jubilee Head design meant to commemorate the 50th year of Queen Victoria's rule (1887-1893) and finally the Veil Head design (1893-1901) which features the mature Victoria. The bust is surrounded by writing "VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DFF IND IMP" (Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India). The obverse is designed by Sir Thomas Brock.

The Queen Victoria sovereign gold coins invoke a special nostalgia for a time when the British Navy ruled the seas, and the sun never set on the Empire. London flourished as the trading and financial capital of the world; Britain became the center of rapid technological innovation; and India glittered as the Crown Jewel of the Empire. The gold Sovereign came to symbolize British financial solidity and to this day enjoys a strong international market, wide-spread recognition and strong liquidity.

The obverse features a portrait of Edward VII. The bust is surrounded by writing EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP: (Edward VII by the Grace of God, King of all the British territories, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India).

Minted from 1902 to 1910, the Edward VII coins are rarer than the subsequent George V sovereigns.

Edward VII (Albert Edward) was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1863, he married Alexandra, the eldest daughter of Prince Christian (later King Christian IX) of Denmark. Despite being notorious for having extramarital affairs, he became an icon in social circles and was a renowned horseman and hunter. He succeeded to the throne as Edward VII after Victoria's death in 1901. Being related to nearly every other European monarch made Edward VII's role as an ambassador easier and helped him negotiate crucial alliances for England. For this he was popularly called "uncle of Europe" and "Peacemaker". An excellent judge of character, he surrounded himself with brilliant military leaders who kept England poised in the years leading up to World War I.

The obverse features a portrait of George V. The bust is surrounded by writing GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT: OMN: REX F.D.IND: IMP (George V, By the Grace of God King of All England, Defender of the Faith, and Emperor of India).

Minted from 1911 to 1935, the George V coin was the last British gold sovereign produced for regular issue.

George V was the second son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. A career navy officer until the death of his older brother, Price Albert, in 1890, George succeeded to the throne in 1910 and ruled until 1936. An inspiring leader during World War I, George often visited the front to rally his troops.

After the War the British Empire underwent many changes. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa demanded and received the right to self-govern, effectively ending the Empire and establishing the British Commonwealth of Nations. George V's approach to the throne was unique at this crucial time in history. Removing himself from daily politics, he helped the monarchy evolve into an institution of family values and customs. By the end of George V's reign, the monarchy represented rather than ruled England.

The reverse has the famous motif of St. George slaying the dragon. The date of release is at the bottom. The reverse was designed by Bendetto Pistrucci.