Owner Comments:

The 1989 British Sovereign four coin set contains a half sovereign, a full sovereign, a double sovereign and a quintuple sovereign. This set bears Bernard Sindall's engravings that were commissioned to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign issued in 1489. The 1989 set is the only year that this design type was used.

The designs used on all four coins in this set recreate those used on the very first hammered gold sovereigns issued for Henry VII in 1489. These gold sovereigns were the first pound coin as they were issued with a value of one pound sterling. The coins were called a sovereign as they featured the 'sovereign' (monarch) on the obverse. They represented the majestic power, wealth and prestige of Britain.

The obverse is reminiscent of the Henry VII engraving of the sovereign on his throne. It features a majestic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II seated facing on a throne. The reverse bears a crowned shield within a Tudor double rose.

The similar original sovereign designs continued in use through to Elizabeth I over a century after their introduction. Some James I gold coins also used a similar obverse up until 1619.

Designed by sculptor, Bernard Sindall, the obverse engraving features Elizabeth II sat on a throne. The Queen faces forward in a modern interpretaion of the original design for the 1489 gold sovereign. The inscription is set in a medieval style type font.

The reverse features the Royal Arms shield surmounted on a crowned double Tudor rose. The original use of the Tudor rose symbolised the success and prestige or the new Tudor dynasty in 1489. The reverse bears the medieval style inscription: 1489-1989 ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD SOVEREIGN