The Pound Sterling, or simply the Pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom. King Athelstan, the first King of England, established the pound as the country's official currency in the year 928. It is the oldest currency in the world still in circulation.

Over the years, the real value of the Pound Sterling has changed. Being very old, the Pound has seen significant inflation over the centuries. A study by the House of Commons in England found that between 1750 and 1998, prices rose 118-fold.

Among the currencies with major international circulation, the Pound Sterling (due to the gold standard) is considered the most valuable of all, even surpassing the euro and the dollar. Its trading value varies according to its weight and the gold price on the market, which fluctuates daily on international exchanges. Its condition and date also influence the coin's overall value.

Sovereigns bearing the coat of arms are more highly valued than those depicting Saint George, due to their age. There is also a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II seated on her throne, wearing an imposing crown and holding two sceptres, produced in 1989 to mark the 500th anniversary of the first sovereign minted under the reign of Henry VII in 1489. On its reverse, the coat of arms and crown of England were initially minted.

The condition of the coins is very important. If the effigy or the edges are damaged, even slightly, the coin may lose part of its value. However, it will never be worth less than the value of its gold content.