A 2009 1/2 sovereign coin from the United Kingdom, produced under Queen Elizabeth II. These coins feature the iconic St. George and the Dragon design, used on almost all sovereigns and half sovereigns since 1817. St. George is generally considered to be a historical person, a soldier of the late Roman Empire. He achieved his sainthood through martyrdom, being for refusing to renounce his Christian faith before the pagan Emperor Diocletian.
The story is this: a dragon decides to settle down at the base of a spring from which a city (traditionally Silene, in the Middle East) draws its water. In order to get the dragon out of the way, the citizens have to sacrifice a maiden to it. Each day, they draw straws to decide who is the unlucky woman. One day, it is the princess who is chosen. George conveniently happens to be riding through town, and defeats and slays the dragon, saving the princess and converting the citizens to Christianity. This legend was brought back to Europe by the Crusaders in the 12th or 13th century, and quickly grew in popularity. Eventually, St. George was declared the patron saint of England.
Each coin is in Mint State condition with no wear. These are Proof coins, meaning that they have mirrored surfaces from special polishing of the coin dies. The coins measure 19.3mm in diameter, weigh 4.0g, and are composed of .913 fine gold.2009 Great Britain Half Sovereign – Queen Elizabeth II
A small, high-purity British gold coin
Features the iconic design of St. George slaying the dragon
Proof condition – No wear and mirrored surfaces (see product pictures for examples)
19.3mm diameter, 4.0g weight, .913 fine gold
$255.00
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