Full Sovereign

King Edward VII ascended to the British throne in 1901 (Wikipedia, 2009) but it wasn't until 1902 that sovereigns were struck bearing his bust. Sovereigns were struck at all Australian branches of the Royal

Mint

a facility that produces coins

 

mint throughout his reign up until his death in 1910.

Mintage

The number of coins struck of a particular designation

 

Mintages throughout the period were generally high but a combination between the rough handling process at the

Mint

a facility that produces coins

 

mint and between banks, and the natural softness of gold, ensured that higher

Mint state

A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation

 

mint state examples have become virtually impossible to source. The dates are generally available up to MS63 at best with none being certified by PCGS at MS65 as of yet (PCGS Population Chart, 2009).