NGC Registry

Collection Manager >

GREAT BRITAIN, TYPE SET 2 (HALF-SOVEREIGNS PROOF ISSUES 1817-2010).

Category:  World Coins
Owner:  TMS Coins
Last Modified:  10/3/2013
Set Description
GT.BRITAIN, GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGNS TYPE SET ( GEORGE III - ELIZABETH II).

The Royal Mint struck its first gold sovereign in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII. This coin became known as a "sovereign" because the obverse design depicted the King enthroned in regal splendour. It was the first gold coin produced with a value of one pound or twenty shillings, it was the largest coin yet issued in England and also the most beautiful. The half-sovereign was introduced a few years after, during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509-1547), in the year 1544, nearly 300 years before the modern coinage period. The modern sovereign, smaller and featuring on the reverse the classic St. George and the dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci (one of the finest engravers ever to be associated with the Royal Mint) and the half-sovereign featuring the Royal Arms were introduced in 1817, during the reign of King George III (1760-1820), taking the form in which we know them today.
Gold half-sovereigns continued to be issued by the Royal Mint in London for the reigns of King George IV (1821-1830), King William IV (1831-1837), Queen Victoria (1838-1901), King Edward VII (1902-1910), and King George V (1911-1915).
After 1915 currency gold half-sovereigns were not issued by the Royal Mint until 1982, when the first bullion half-sovereign issued only for that year, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
The year 2000 was of particular interest to half-sovereign enthusiasts, because, for the first time since1982, a bullion type half-sovereign was struck and continued to be struck yearly ever since.

The London Royal Mint struck gold proof half-sovereigns for every reign since 1817.

The Reign of KING GEORGE III (1760-1820) House of Hanover.
Born: 4 June 1738.
Accession: 25 October 1760.
Married: Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz 8 September 1761 the day they met for the first time.
Coronation: Tuesday, 22 September 1761.
Children: nine sons, six daughters.
Died: 29 January 1820, aged 81.

The Reign of KING GEORGE IV (1820-1830) House of Hanover.
Born: 12 August 1762.
Accession: 29 January 1820.
Married: Caroline of Brunswick 8 April 1795 later separated and banned from attending the Coronation.
Coronation: Thursday, 19 July 1821.
Child: one daughter Charlotte who predeceased her Father 6 November 1817.
Died: 26 June 1830, aged 67.

The Reign of KING WILLIAM IV (1830-1837) House of Hanover.
Born: 21 August 1765.
Accession: 26 June 1830.
Married: Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg and Meiningen, 11 July 1818 after first meeting a week before, a double wedding with his brother, Prince Edward the Duke of Kent.
Coronation: Thursday, 8 September 1831.
Children: two daughters who both died in childhood, ten illegitimate children previously.
Died: 20 June 1837.

The Reign of QUEEN VICTORIA (1837-1901) House of Hanover.
Born: 24 May 1819.
Accession: 20 June 1837.
Married: Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, 10 February 1840.
Coronation: Thursday 28 June 1838.
Children: four sons, five daughters.
Died: 22 January 1901, aged 81.

The Reign of KING EDWARD VII (1901-1910) House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Born: 9 November 1841.
Accession: 22 January 1901.
Married: Alexandra of Denmark 10 March 1863.
Coronation: Saturday, 9 August 1902.
Children: three sons, three daughters.
Died: 6 May 1910, aged 68.

The Reign of KING GEORGE V (1910-1936) House of Windsor.
Born: 3 June 1865.
Accession: 6 May 1910.
Married: Mary of Teck, 6 July 1893.
Coronation: Thursday, 22 June 1911, second Coronation as Emperor of India at the Delhi Durbar, Tuesday, 12 December 1911.
Children: five sons, one daughter.
Died: 20 January 1936, aged 70.

The Reign of KING GEORGE VI (1936-1952) House of Windsor.
Born: 14 December 1895.
Accession: 11 December 1936.
Married: Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, 26 April 1923. Coronation: Wednesday, 12 May 1937.
Children: two daughters.
Died: 6 February 1952, aged 56.

The Reign of QUEEN ELIZABETH II (1952- ) House of Windsor.
Born: 21 April 1926.
Accession: 6 February 1952.
Married: Philip of Greece and Denmark, 20 November 1947.
Coronation: Tuesday, 2 June 1953.
Children: three sons, one daughter.
Celebrating her Diamond Jubilee Year 2012.

PROOF COINS

A newly minted proof coin is also Un-circulated, however it is the way it is made that causes a difference in appearance and qualifies it as a "proof". Coins are produced when two dies strike a blank piece of metal with tremendous force. One die is engraved with the front (obverse) design for the coin. The other die has the back (reverse) coin design on it.

A proof coin is made with
a specially polished and treated die!

By treating the die in a special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance. The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo". On some older coins a cameo appearance is quite rare. The attribute "CAMEO", when added to a coin's description, means cameo appearance. "ULTRA CAMEO" indicates the cameo appearance is strong and easy to observe.

Proof coins are struck twice, or more!

Not only are proofs made using specially treated dies, each coin is struck two or more times by the coin die. By striking it more than once the metal is forced into all the crevices of the die, thereby giving a very fine detail to the image on the coin. This fine detail does not appear on some non-proof coins.

Grading proofs

Today's grading of proofs is similar to the grades used for uncirculated coins. The attribute "PR" or "PF" stands for "proof", and is used instead of the MS (mint state) to indicate a proof coin. Proofs (that are also uncirculated) will be graded PF 60 to PF 70, with PF 70 being rare or nonexistent in some cases. Because a proof coin can be mishandled or receive wear by cleaning or handling, proof grades can extend below PF 60. Like uncirculated coins, proofs can experience toning, tarnish or darkening.

REFERENCES:

COINS OF ENGLAND & THE UNITED KINGDOM, 45th Edition 2010, by SPINK.
THE GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN, 2nd Edition 2004, by MICHAEL A. MARSH.

This beautiful Type Set, lacking only one entry to become complete, contains mainly Ultra Cameo examples of Proof Half-Sovereigns. The remarkable portraits and designs of these classic beauties give a fantastic icon of the British milled coinage.

Set Goals
HOBBY

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1821 G.britain NGC PF 64 GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Laureate Head (Type I) GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1821
(S 3802).

The first half-sovereign for the reign of George IV was issued in 1821. It carried a magnificent laurate head bust of the King on the obverse, and its reverse featured an equally impressive design that displayed the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom beautifully garnished and surmounted by a crown.This is a splendid example of both engraving and design by Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: Unrecorded.
RATING : R4.

1821 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 64

Beautiful bright proof, with rich orange-gold color, sharp strike, strong cameo appearence and mirrored fields.
NGC has certified a single coin at this level with none finer.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1826 G.britain NGC PF 64 CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE IV, Bare head (Type III) GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1826 (S3804).

OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing left.
REVERSE: Garnished shield, surmounted by the royal crown, bearing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: Unrecorded.
RATING: R

1826 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 64 CAMEO

Beautiful bright cameo with excellent detailed strike and mirrored surfaces.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1831 G.britain NGC PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, WILLIAM IV GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1831
(S-3830).

OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing right, engraved by William Wyon (1795-1851).
REVERSE: Beautifully garnished shield modelled and engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850).
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994g
FINENESS: 22 carat.
EDGE: Plain.
MINTAGE: 225
RATING: R3

KING WILLIAM IV, 1831 PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN

In 1831 only plain edge proofs were issued of both the sovereign and half sovereign. The half sovereign is considerably smaller than any other half sovereign previously struck during the modern era, and in fact measures 17.9 mm. It is though the same weight and fineness as previous issues (61.637 grains and 916.66 fineness).

KING WILLIAM IV

The Reign of King William IV (House of Hanover) 1830-1837.
Born: 21 August 1765.
Accession: 26 June 1830.
Married: Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg and Meiningen, 11 July 1818 after first meeting a week before.
A double wedding with his brother, Prince Edward the Duke of Kent.
Coronation: Thursday, 8 September 1831.
Children: two daughters who both died in childhood, ten illegitimate children previously.
Died: 20 June 1837, aged 71.

1831 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO

Beautiful and attractive proof with thickly frosted devices and mirrored fields.
ex Spink & Son Ltd.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1839 G.britain PLAIN EDGE NGC PF 64 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA Young (small) Head, Type A1 (without die number) GOLD PROOF 1/2 SOVEREIGN 1839 (S-3859).

OBVERSE: Young head bust of the Queen faving left, engraved by William Wyon.
REVERSE: Ornate garnished shield containing the Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom, engraved by J.B.Merlen.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Plain
MINTAGE: 1230.
RARIRY: R2

1839 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 64 ULTRA CAMEO

Beautiful bright proof, with rich orange-gold color, sharp strike, frosted devices and flashy mirrored fields.
NGC has certified three coins at this level with none finer.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1887 G.britain JUBILEE HEAD NGC PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA, Jubilee head, GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1887 (S3869).

OBVERSE: The bust of the Queen facing left wearing a small crown, veiled and with ribbon.
REVERSE: The Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom within a garnished shield surmounted by an imperial crown.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 797.

1887 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO

Beautiful choice proof with honey-gold color, sharp strike, thickly frosted devices and mirrored fields.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901 1/2SOV 1893 G.britain NGC PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA "Old Head" GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1893 (S3878).

OBVERSE: The bust of the Queen facing left, veiled and draped.
REVERSE: The design of St. George mounted with streamer flowing from helmet, slaying the Dragon with sword.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 773.

1893 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO

Brilliant and attractive proof, with sharp strike, frosted devices and mirrored fields.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70 1/2SOV 1902 G.britain PCGS PF 63 MATTE GT.BRITAIN, EDWARD VII GOLD PROOF MATTE HALF-SOVEREIGN 1902.

OBVERSE: Bare head of king facing right. The small letters De S (for De Saules) below the trancation in relief.
REVERSE: St. George mounted with streamer flowing from helmet, slaying the dragon with sword. Date is shown below the exergue line.
ENGRAVERS and DESIGNERS: WHJ Blakemore, George William De Saules (1862-1903). Benedetto Pistruchi (1784-1855).
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 15,123
RATING: C.

1902 1/2 SOVEREIGN PF 63 MATTE

A very strong example of this common proof. Unusual strike with undisturbed matte surfaces. ( Most of these matte proofs have been wiped at the Mint).
NGC report shows two PF63 with none higher.
PCGS report shows nine PF63 and two PF64 with none higher.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70 1/2SOV 1911 G.britain NGC PF 67 CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE V GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1911 (S4006).

OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing left.
REVERSE: St. George and the Dragon. Date in ex.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 3,764
RATING: S

1911 GOLD 1/2 SOVEREIGN PF 67 CAMEO

Distruction free GEM with full solid strIke, perfect devices and mirrored fields, making for outstanding eye appeal. A glorious example of this proof coin.
NGC pop report shows only two PF 67 CAMEO with none graded higher.
ex Heritage Auction # 3022, lot 27139, 15 January 2013.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70 1/2SOV 1911 G.britain NGC PF 66 GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE V GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1911 (S4006).

OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing left.
REVERSE: St. George and the Dragon. Date in ex.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 3,764
RATING: S

1911 GOLD 1/2 SOVEREIGN PF 66

Distruction free GEM with full solid strIke, perfect devices and mirrored fields, making for outstanding eye appeal. A glorious example of this proof coin.
NGC pop report shows only two PF66 with none graded higher.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70 1/2SOV 1937 G.britain GEORGE VI NGC PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE VI GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1937 (S-4077).

OBVERSE: Head of the King facing left.
REVERSE: St. George slaying the Dragon.
DESIGNERS: Wilson Parker and Benedetto Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.4 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Plain.
MINTAGE: 5001.

1937 GOLD 1/2 SOVEREIGN PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO

Bright, distraction free GEM with frosty CAMEO devices contrasting deeply mirrored, haze free, fields. Gorgeous eye appeal. One year coin from the Coronation Proof Set with mintage of 5001.
Of this small mintage only 6 graded PF66UC at NGC, with only two grading higher.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 1980 G.britain NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO GT.BRITAIN, ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1980 (S4205).

OBVERSE: Bust of the Queen facing right and wearing a coronet.
REVERSE: St. George with streamer flowing from helmet, mounted and slaying Dragon with sword. Date below exergue line with small letters B.P. to right.
DESIGNERS: Obverse: Arnold Machin. Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.30mm
WEIGHT: 3.99g
ALLOY: 0.9167 Au
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 76.700.
RATING: C .
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 1985 G.britain NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1985 (S4276).

OBVERSE: Queen facing right wearing a diadem, necklace and earings.
REVERSE: St. George with streamer flowing from helmet, mounted and slaying the Dragon with a sword. DESIGNERS: Raphael David Maklouf and Benedetto Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.30mm
WEIGHT: 3.99g
ALLOY: 0.9167 Au
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 9.951.
RATING: C.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 1989 G.britain Sovereign Anniversary NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 1989 (S4277).

1989 was the very year that marked the 500th anniversary of the gold sovereign, and so to mark this special year the Royal Mint struck this beautiful proof half-sovereign.

OBVERSE: The enthroned effigy of the Queen facing and seated, wearing a crown and robed in superb regal splendour.
REVERSE: The Royal Arms placed in the centre of a large Tudor rose with the crown above.
DESIGNER: Bernard Sindall.
DIAMETER: 19.30 mm.
WEIGHT: 3.994 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 8,888.
RATING: C.

1989 GOLD 1/2 SOVEREIGN PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO

Truely exceptional with full strike, frosted CAMEO devices and deep mirrored fields.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 2002 G.britain GOLDEN JUBILEE NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 2002 (S4441).

The year 2002 Queen Elizabeth completed fifty years of a truly wonderful reign ( Golden Jubilee). To mark this great occasion the Royal Mint struck special issues of several coins and among them the 2002 gold half-sovereign..

OBVERSE: Old bust of the Queen facing right and wearing a tiara.
REVERSE: The Ensigns Armorial of the United Kingdom within a plain shield surmounted by the royal crown.
DESIGNERS: Ian Rank-Broadley and Timothy Noad.
DIAMETER: 19.30mm
WEIGHT: 3.99g
ALLOY: 0.9167 Au
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE:10,000.
RATING: C.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 2005 G.britain NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 2005 (S4442).

OBVERSE: Old bust of the Queen facing right and wearing a tiara.
REVERSE: St. George slaying the Dragon with a sword, (Modern design).
DESIGNERS: Ian Rank-Broadley and Timothy Noad.
DIAMETER: 19.30mm
WEIGHT: 3.99g
ALLOY: 0.9167 Au
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 5,011.
RATING: C.
View Coin   GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL 1/2SOV 2010 G.britain NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 2010 (S4440).

OBVERSE: Old bust of the Queen facing right and wearing a tiara.
REVERSE: St. George with streamer flowing from helmet, mounted and slaying the Dragon with a sword.
DESIGNERS: Ian Rank-Broadley and Benedetto Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 19.30mm
WEIGHT: 3.99g
ALLOY: 0.9167 Au
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 7,000.
RATING: C.

To follow or send a message to this user,
please log in