HALF SOVEREIGN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "half sovereign" refers to a specific denomination of a gold coin, primarily associated with the United Kingdom. A half sovereign is a legal tender coin with a face value of half a sovereign, which is equivalent to ten shillings or half a pound sterling. This denomination was first introduced in 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII, and the production of half sovereigns continued until 1917.
Physically, a half sovereign is a small and circular coin, typically minted with 22-carat gold. It weighs roughly 3.99 grams and has a diameter of approximately 19.3 millimeters. The reverse side of the coin typically features the image of the reigning British monarch, while the obverse side commonly consists of a depiction of St. George slaying a dragon. Designs and inscriptions on the coin may vary depending on the specific period and mint marks.
Due to its gold composition, the half sovereign has traditionally been considered a valuable asset and a popular choice among collectors and investors. Its historical significance, as well as its intrinsic value, adds to its appeal. Half sovereigns can be found in auctions, numismatic shows, or acquired from coin dealers. While no longer used as legal tender, they remain sought after by coin enthusiasts, and their value can fluctuate with gold prices and collector demand.
Common Misspellings for HALF SOVEREIGN
- galf sovereign
- balf sovereign
- nalf sovereign
- jalf sovereign
- ualf sovereign
- yalf sovereign
- hzlf sovereign
- hslf sovereign
- hwlf sovereign
- hqlf sovereign
- hakf sovereign
- hapf sovereign
- haof sovereign
- hald sovereign
- halc sovereign
- halv sovereign
- halg sovereign
- halt sovereign
- halr sovereign
- half aovereign
Etymology of HALF SOVEREIGN
The word "half sovereign" is a compound noun comprised of the words "half" and "sovereign". To understand its etymology, we need to examine the origins of these two words separately.
1. Half: The term "half" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "half" with a similar meaning, indicating the portion of something that is exactly or approximately divided into two equal parts. This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "halbaz". This, in turn, is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*s(e)kal-", meaning "to cut" or "divide". Throughout the evolution of the English language, the word "half" has maintained its general meaning of expressing one of two equal parts of something.
2. Sovereign: The term "sovereign" has a more complex etymology.
