sovvy

British slang for a sovereign — the gold coin worth one pound sterling that was a standard unit of currency through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sovereigns became iconic symbols of wealth, and getting or spending a sovvy had weight. The coin is still minted today as a collectible and store of value, so 'sovvy' occasionally resurfaces in antiques, numismatics, or nostalgic conversation, though it's far less common than it once was on the streets.