It’s finished to finest proof standard in 7.98 grams of 22 carat gold with a diameter of 22.05 millimetres. This proof Sovereign is one of 23,471 issued in this presentation. This celebratory design was only used on Half Sovereigns, ‘full’ Sovereigns, Double Sovereigns and Quintuple Sovereigns issued in 1989 and then in very limited numbers. The reverse legend is unusual in that it uses the word ‘Sovereign’ - the first time this denomination has been named on the coin itself. The reverse shows the crowned royal arms set on a Tudor rose. His obverse shows an enthroned portrait, surrounded by gothic letter is the first coinage portrait of Elizabeth II to show the Queen full length, seated upon a throne.
This commemorative gold Sovereign reflects the rich, decorative designs of the historic coin with a unique obverse and reverse design, both by British artist Bernard Sindall. Introduced in the reign of Henry VII, these large and prestigious Tudor coins gave their name to the modern Sovereign, introduced in 1817. Limited edition 1989 proof Sovereign, struck to celebrate five hundred years of these remarkable gold coins.
