The Type II Shield sovereign features the Imperial shield design on the reverse paired
with William Wyon's portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse. It differs from the Type I
Shield sovereign by the designer's initials, WW appearing raised within the truncation beneath the bust.
It differs from the Type III Shield sovereign by having a larger bust. A key identification point is illustrated
below.
The mint of this issue can be identified by a mintmark beneath
the shield on the reverse as shown in the illustrations below:
The absence of a mintmark or the presence of a die number indicates
a London mint issue.
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