Victoria. Half Sovereign 1859. Young Head. The Young Head Half Sovereign was only issued with the Shield reverse for the duration of it's mintage. Obverse: Young uncrowned portrait of Queen Victoria left, legend around, date below. Lettering: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA 1859 Translation: Victoria by the Grace of God. Engraver: William Wyon. Reverse: Crowned quartered shield of arms, legend around. Lettering: BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF: Translation: Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith Engraver: Jean Baptiste Merlen.