The sovereign is one of the most famous gold coins ever made. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Australian mints in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth contributed to its success in no small measure by producing large quantities from locally mined gold.

Design
The Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms appears on the reverse of the 2010 Perth Mint Proof Sovereign, accompanied by the words AUSTRALIA and SOVEREIGN in raised lettering. The reverse also incorporates the Mint's historic ‘P' mintmark. The Coat of Arms consists of the badges of the six States of the Commonwealth on a shield enclosed by an ermine border signifying Australian Federation in 1901. The Crest of the Arms, including a seven-pointed Star, appears above the shield, which is supported by a kangaroo and an emu.