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Gold Sovereigns
1989 Royal Mint Proof
22 Carat Gold
The pound coin was introduced in 1489 by special commission of Henry VII. Struck in gold and featuring a design of the King enthroned in majesty, the new coin was to be known as the sovereign. The sovereign continued to be struck until shortly after the accession of James I in 1603, when it was replaced by other gold coins, and eventually in 1663 by the guinea.
When it was re-introduced in 1817 by George III, the sovereign was given a new reverse design by the Italian engraver , Benedetto Pistrucci. The design depicts the slaying of the dragon by St. George. This popular design has become intimately linked with the sovereign, and has in fact appeared on all gold sovereigns struck from 1887 until 1988.
The 1989 gold Proof sovereign features two new designs by Bernard Sindall, both of which are modern adaptations of the original sovereign design of 1489. Very few coins or currencies can boast such lengthy service
23,471
The obverse shows H.M. Queen Elizabeth II seated as at her coronation, within the circumscription:
ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REG FID DEF
which may be translated as Elizabeth II - by the grace of God, Queen, defender of the faith.
The majestic appearance of this design, combined with the large size, weight and purity of the original sovereigns is the reason the new gold coin came to be called a sovereign originally.
The reverse is a Shield of the Royal Arms ensigned by an open Royal Crown, the whole superimposed upon a double rose and the circumscription:
ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD SOVEREIGN 1489 - 1989.
Specifications
Sources
| Composition: | 91.67% Gold 8.33% Copper |
| Gold Content: | 0.2354 oz |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Weight: | 7.9881 grams |
| Size: | 21.5 mm |
| Reverse: | Bernard Sindall |
| Obverse: | Bernard Sindall |
| Chard Gold Sovereigns | The Royal Mint. |
The Sovereign Daniel Fearon & Brian Reeds 2001 Hilden Publications 17 Windmill Drive Croxley Green, Hertfordshire United Kingdom Token Publishing |
The Gold Sovereign Golden Jubilee Edition Michael A Marsh 2002 25A St Neots Rd Hardwick Cambrigeshire CB3 7QH United Kingdom |