half sovereign

American  

noun

1. a gold coin of the United Kingdom, discontinued in 1917, equal to 10 shillings.

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Etymology

Origin of half sovereign

First recorded in 1495–1505

Example Sentences

One of the rarest is a George IV half sovereign from 1821, which is expected to fetch between £2,000 and 2,500.

From BBC • May 5, 2024

I sacrificed the half sovereign, and let him go, for he is not exactly the person to whom it was advisable to intrust all the secrets relating to the Honorable Miss Snape.

From The Experiences of a Barrister, and Confessions of an Attorney by Warren, Samuel

So saying, Charles led Mr. Chauncy along, and partly by persuasion, and partly by a little gentle force, he made him take out his purse and produce a half sovereign, too.

From Rollo on the Atlantic by Abbott, Jacob

She had put a half sovereign and a half-crown on the corner of the mantel-piece, and handed it to him.

From Across the Stream by Benson, Edward Frederic

I also received further this morning a half sovereign from Droitwich.

From The Life of Trust: Being a Narrative of the Lord's Dealings With George Müller by Wayland, H. L. (Heman Lincoln)