1908-C King Edward VII Satin finish Specimen Sovereign (Ottawa / Canada)

1908-C Edward VII Gold Sovereign – Ottawa Mint – Extremely Rare The 1908-C Sovereign is one of the great key-date rarities of the entire British Sovereign series, struck during the inaugural year of the Canadian branch mint at Ottawa. Mint records indicate that just 678 sovereigns were struck, of which only 633 were officially issued, with ten examples reserved for the Trial of the Pyx. Traditionally regarded as a Satin Proof issue, the 1908-C has been the subject of some debate, with Michael Marsh suggesting that both Proof and currency strikes exist. The Bentley Collection catalogue, however, considered the entire issue to be of Proof manufacture. With such a remarkably small issue, the 1908-C is exceptionally difficult to acquire, with surviving examples rarely appearing on the open market. Once occasionally encountered at auction, these coins have become increasingly elusive, with many remaining in established collections. An important and highly sought-after Canadian Sovereign, representing the very beginning of gold sovereign production at the Ottawa Mint. The Mint mark for George V sovereigns can be found within the ground line above the date on the reverse of the coin. NB: Sovereigns struck at the London Mint do not have a mint mark. King bare head facing right to the right, initials DeS denoting engraver George William De Saulles below centre truncation. St. George mounted with sword attacking the dragon. The date appears below the exergue line at the bottom with the letters B.P. to the right. Coin Specifications Struck - Ottawa Mint Canada ('C') Rated (R6) Only a handful known Exceedingly Rare - Marsh Mintage - 633 only Satin Finish - Specimen sovereign Inscription: EDWARDVS VII D:G:BRITT:OMN:REX:F:D:IND:IMP: Milled Spink S.3970 Struck in 22ct gold - 916/1000 Weight: 7.98g / Diameter: 22.05mm Obverse by George William De Saulles Featuring Reverse design of St George & the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci Die Axis: ↑ / ↑ We endeavour to keep all years available, the image is of the coin you will receive some years may not be available due to rarity, if you are interested in the rare examples not on offer here, please contact us. Should you not be entirely happy with your purchase you may return it for a full refund, please see our returns section for more information.