Historical information

No historical information, but used to weigh sovereigns and half sovereigns to make sure that they are the correct weight and therefore genuine.

Significance

This item is an example of an item no longer in common use as sovereigns were once unique in that it had no denomination, or currency value printed on the coin. Its value was tied to the value of gold.

Physical description

A brass sovereign and half-sovereign balance and its cardboard case. The case is principally red and pulls apart in the middle.

Inscriptions & markings

On a label on the box: IMPROVED SOVEREIGN BALANCE To weigh and gauge Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns. Warranted b......with steel.
On the balance: SOVEREIGN WARRANTED and SOVEREIGN 1/2 also a crown image.