Gold Troy Ounce and interesting history

British Sovereign is a bullion coin with a long and interesting history.

The Sovereign was first minted in 1489 during Henry VII's reign - and the first sovereigns weighed half a Troy Ounce (240 grains) and were 23 carat - thus containing 230 grains of pure gold.

However, the amount of gold in a sovereign was changed numerous times since then, eventually being fixed at 22 carat and 0.235421 Troy Ounces (113 grains) of actual gold, with the "Great Recoinage" of 1816

The amount of precious metal contained in bullion coins is measured in Troy Ounces.