22K Queen Victoria Sovereign Pendant on 18K Yellow Gold Chain
Necklace with Coin Pendant · Yellow Gold, featuring a rich, deep warm hue typical of high-karat British coinage and alloyed jewelry.
Purity: Mixed Purity: 22K (91.6% gold) for the coin, approximately 18K (75% gold) for the chain and bezel. Gold content is high, representing solid gold construction.
Type
Necklace with Coin Pendant
Purity
Mixed Purity: 22K (91.6% gold) for the coin, approximately 18K (75% gold) for the chain and bezel. Gold content is high, representing solid gold construction.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, featuring a rich, deep warm hue typical of high-karat British coinage and alloyed jewelry.
Weight
Total weight approx. 14-18 grams. The coin itself (Full Sovereign) weighs 7.98g; the remaining weight is attributed to the chain and bezel mounting.
Description
An elegant and historically rich necklace featuring a genuine British Full Sovereign gold coin. The coin showcases the classic 'Young Head' portrait of Queen Victoria. It is securely held in a four-prong gold bezel designed to preserve the coin's edges, suspended from a sturdy yet graceful yellow gold oval link chain.
Key Features
Authentic numismatic gold coin centerpiece; rare 'Young Head' Victoria portrait; four-prong 'safe-mount' bezel which prevents damage to the coin's rim.
Color & Finish
Rich, deep yellow with a satin-to-bright luster. The coin shows a light circulation patina, while the chain has a high-polish finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely '750' or '18K' on the chain clasp; the coin features the 'Victoria Dei Gra' legend and British Royal Mint identifiers.
Dimensions Estimate
Chain: 18-20 inches (45-50 cm). Coin Pendant: 22.05 mm diameter (standard Full Sovereign size) with bezel adding approx. 2-3 mm total.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The focus is purely on the numismatic value of the gold coin and the gold metalwork.
Clasp & Closure
Lobster claw or spring ring closure, typically stamped for purity, ensuring high security for the heavy pendant weight.
Chain & Links
Oval link cable chain/trace chain style. Links are machine-made with consistent soldering and high flexibility.
Craftsmanship Details
The bezel is a 'scroll' or prong-style mount designed to minimize contact with the coin. The chain links are smoothly finished with uniform thickness and professional soldering.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic luster of 22K gold; sharp detail on coin legend and portrait; specific 'Young Head' crown/hair configuration consistent with Royal Mint production.
Origin & Maker
Coin: United Kingdom (Royal Mint). Jewelry components: Likely European/French origin based on the secondary marketplace context.
Era & Period
The coin is Victorian (1837-1901), featuring the 'Young Head' or 'Jubilee Head' profile. The mounting and chain appear to be late 20th-century contemporary.
Age Estimate
Coin: Circa 1871-1887 (based on the 'Young Head' portrait). Chain and Bezel: Circa 1980-2000.
Cultural Significance
Gold sovereigns were historically given as symbols of wealth and security. In jewelry, they represent a 'portability of wealth' tradition and a connection to British heritage.
Condition Notes
Overall Very Good. The coin shows typical surface contact marks consistent with light circulation (Grade EF/XF). Chain links are intact with no stretching.
Value Estimate
$1,100 - $1,400 USD. Value is calculated by combining the melt value of the gold (approx 90% of price) plus a 10-15% premium for the numismatic coin and jewelry craftsmanship.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth only. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the natural patina from the vintage coin. Store separately to avoid scratching the high-purity 22K surface.
Similar Items
Half-Sovereign pendants (smaller), Krugerrand pendants (South African), or American Liberty gold coin necklaces.
Interesting Facts
The British Sovereign is one of the world's most famous gold coins and was once legal tender in over 20 countries during the British Empire.