History of St George and the Dragon

Production of traditional sovereigns from Western Australian gold was the lifeblood of The Perth Mint in the years up to 1931. One hundred and six million pieces were struck, each bearing Benedetto Pistrucci’s classical St George and the Dragon design and a ‘P’ mintmark.

According to tradition, St George was a Greek-born Roman guard and Christian martyr. Myths grew up around him during the Middle Ages, including an enduring legend in which he saves a princess from a malevolent dragon. Representing courage and the victory of good over evil, St George embodied the qualities of knighthood in medieval chivalry, and was invoked to inspire valour on the battlefield and national pride.