The obverse of the coin depicts the young Queen Victoria of Great Britain, surrounded by the words "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA", the year of the coin's mintage below.

 

The reverse of the coin shows the heraldic crowned shield of Great Britain, with the three Lions of Britain, the Lion of Scotland, the Harp of Ireland and in the fourth part of the shield again the three Lions of Britain, around the inscription: "BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:"

 

The British Gold Sovereign is one of the most popular historical British Mint gold coins. A coin of this design has been minted regularly since 1817 with every King or Queen of Great Britain. This Queen Victoria (young with shield) sovereign coin was minted between 1871 and 1887.