Sell 1831 William IV Proof Sovereign Plain Edge
Coronation proof sovereign (S-3829B), ~225 minted. Graded auction prices £10k–£30k+. Key diagnostics: plain edge, 2nd bust, W.W. stops.
Typical UK collector & dealer range for circulated examples
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Zero seller fees. Insured UK courier or private London & Manchester appointment.
Market Valuation & Pricing Notes
Realised auction prices: PCGS PR64DCAM $26,400 (Heritage, ~£20,500); NGC PF61 Ultra Cameo £12,995 retail (UKCoinage); Chards retail £10,500 for graded proof. Coronation 14-coin sets (incl. this sovereign) trade £80k–£120k. Circulated/impaired proofs trade £5k–£12k; choice graded examples £15k–£30k+. Values reflect numismatic premium far above bullion (~£450).
Physical Authentication Checkpoints
Our specialists verify these exact specifications when appraising your 1831 William IV Proof Sovereign Plain Edge:
- Plain (unmilled) edge — critical differentiator from circulation strikes
- Second (broad ear/flat nose) portrait by William Wyon; incuse 'W.W.' with stops on truncation
- Reverse: Crowned garnished quartered shield by Jean Baptiste Merlen; 'ANNO 1831' below
- Weight 7.98–8.00 g; diameter 22.05 mm; die axis 6h (per Spink catalogue)
- Proof finish: deeply mirrored fields, frosted cameo devices, sharp wire rims
- No edge lettering or milling; plain edge is hallmark of 1831 coronation proof issue
Coin Specifications
- Catalogue ID
- GB-1831-WIV-PROOF-SOV-PE
- Denomination
- Sovereign
- Issue Year
- 1831
- Rarity Tier
- Ultra-Rare Numismatic
- Mintage
- ~225 (Coronation Proof Set issue)
- Weight
- 7.988 grams
- Metal Composition
- 22ct Gold (91.67% Au, 8.33% Cu)
Common Fakes & Variant Confusion
Confused with circulation-strike S-3829B (mintage 598,547, milled edge). Milled-edge proof variant exists but is extremely rare. Later restrikes and modern replicas lack correct die polish, weight, and edge. Altered circulation strikes (polished to simulate proof) show hairlines, incorrect edge, and softened detail.
Best Ways to Sell Your 1831 William IV Proof Sovereign Plain Edge
Compare liquidation routes in the UK, or sell directly to Finacforce with zero auction commission.
Major UK Numismatic Auctions (Baldwin's, Spink, Noonans, DNW)
Highest visibility for ultra-rarities; specialist bidder base; 15–20% buyer's premium + VAT on premium; 30–60 day settlement.
Specialist Gold Sovereign Dealers (Chards, Britannia Coin Co., London Coins)
Immediate liquidity; expert authentication; retail markup absorbed (offer typically 85–95% of retail); limited pool for six-figure coins.
Graded-Coin Marketplaces (PCGS/NGC Registry Sets, MA-Shops, VCoins)
Global collector reach; price transparency via population reports; shipping/insurance complexity; fees 5–10%.
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