King George V 1911-1936

George V (George Frederick Ernest Albert; 3 June 1865 – 20 January 1936) was King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. George V was born 3rd inline to the throne behind his father Prince Albert Edward (King Edward VII), and elder brother Prince Albert Victor. Eddy (Prince Albert Victor) as referred to by later biographers died in 1892 just 28yrs old falling prey to the influenza pandemic of 1889-1892. His short life was not without scandal having been named by male prostitutes under interrogation in 1889.

In 1917 George V became the first monarch of the House of Windsor, which he renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment. George V's reign saw the rise of socialism and the Labour movement which would radically change the political landscape.  

1917-M King George V Gold Sovereign

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 (Large) facing left, initials B.M. denoting engraver Edgar Bertram Mackennal raised in 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.