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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1SOV 1821 G.britain
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NGC PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
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GT. BRITAIN, GEORGE IV GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1821
(S 3800).
OBVERSE: First laureate head left, engraved by Benedetto Pistrucci, 13 leaves in laurel wreath, B.P. below, lettering with horizontally ruled interior compartments, georgius iiii d : g : britanniar: rex f: d:, milled border between linear concentric circles both sides.
REVERSE: Struck with inverted die axis, St George on horseback slaying dragon right with sword, helmet with crest only, horse tail terminates in three strands, broken lance on ground to left, with wwp in relief below, date in exergue, with B.P. to upper right, edge milled.
DIAMETER: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: Unrecorded.
RATING: R2.
GEORGE V, 1821 PROOF SOVEREIGN
FIRST TYPE. The reign of King George IV marks the highly significant introduction of the classic design of St George slaying the dragon with a sword by Benedetto Pistrucci we are all familiar with today. Pistrucci’s depiction of the first bust of George IV is very Roman in its style with the King wearing a 13 leaf laurel wreath. Pistrucci’s initials are for a gold coin, significantly prominent on each side of the coin, whereas with his previous George III issue they were incuse and quite well hidden under the broken lance. The initials of the Master of the Mint, William Wellesley Pole, who was instrumental in commissioning Pistrucci to the Mint in the first place, has his initials placed under the broken lance. The wwp appears quite squiggle-like and indistinct, and amazingly lasts in this position into the reign of George V over a hundred years later. These initials were on the Garter buckle on the reverse in the previous issue of George III.
All the denominations issued for the Coronation year of George IV in 1821 were also produced to proof quality, no doubt to present to officials and very important persons. Additionally Pistrucci himself would be able to supply proofs to whomever he pleased or to those who would commission him to do so. This practice later developed into the sale of entire Proof Sets in cases from 1826 for special occasions.
First Type Obverse and Reverse of the George IV Currency Sovereign.
Other features of the first standard design for the currency Sovereigns of King George IV from 1821-1825 are an unusual style of lettering in the legend which reads georgius iiii d : g : britanniar: rex f: d:. Each letter has an incuse central compartment upon its limbs ruled with raised horizontal lines. A new type of outer border is employed with fine raised teeth between an inner and outer concentric linear circle, giving quite a square indent between each tooth. The currency coins are struck with an inverted die axis as usual for this period; the figure of St George now brandishes a sword to slay the dragon, his helmet has a crested plume only, and the horse’s tail terminates in three strands. The broken lance with the initials beneath lies on the ground-line to the left, the date and B.P. initials are in the exergue below and the edge is straight grained milled. Interestingly the 1821 proofs have the same die axis as the currency Sovereigns.
KING GEORGE IV
The Reign of King George IV (House of Hanover) : 1820-1830.
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.
1821 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
Bright and beautiful with frosty cameo devices contrasting deeply mirrored fields.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1821 G.britain
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NGC PF 64
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1826 G.britain
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NGC PF 64 CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1SOV 1831 G.britain
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NGC PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, WILLIAM IV GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1831
(S 3829B).
OBVERSE: Bare head of King facing right, engraved by William Wyon (1795-1851).
REVERSE: Garnished shield modelled and engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850).
DIAMETER: 22.05 mm.
WEIGHT: 7.9987 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
EDGE: Plain.
MINTAGE: 225.
RATING: R3
KING WILLIAM IV, 1831 PROOF SOVEREIGN.
The Coronation of William IV took place on 8 September 1831 and all the denominations issued for the current new coinage were also produced to proof quality in Coronation proof sets. These undoubtedly were made to present to officials and very important persons, and in addition to current 1831 dated denominations included a proof gold Two Pounds and silver Crown, Halfcrown and Shilling that were not current that year. Additionally William Wyon himself would be able to supply proofs to whomever he pleased or to those who would commission him to do so. The 1831 Proof Set is generally accepted as the second Proof Set available from the Royal Mint, the first being 1826, though “sets” can be put together of coins of 1821 and 1825 as well.
The standard design for the currency Sovereigns of King William IV from 1830-1837 inclusive was engraved by William Wyon after Francis Chantrey’s model, and consists of two bare headed bust types and one standard reverse. Both bust types have the same legend reading gulielmus iiii d : g : britanniar rex f: d: The first bust obverse has more finely engraved hair most noticeable on the top of his head and a more rounded ear. The position of the bust in relation to the legend dictates that his nose points to the second letter N in britanniar. The first bust obverse has border teeth that are quite fine and tall, and more in number when compared with obverse two. The second obverse has coarser hair, a flat top to the ear and the nose points to the second I in britanniar. The border teeth also differ from the first bust as the obverse teeth are of a coarser wide spread rendering, with less depth. The majority of the coinage of William IV Sovereigns, depict this obverse, including the very first pattern piece of 1830. It seems the demarcation of second bust relates really to its use ending with the reign in 1837, as the first bust type finishes first by 1832. The reverse teeth on the second bust obverse coins are similar to the first bust obverse ones, and are taller and finer than those on the obverse of the second bust coins. The reverses of William IV engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen, always carry eight strings in the Irish harp with a diagonal line running through them depicting the rear of the bottom harp body. The inner arches of the crown above have thirteen pearls on each side, and five more run diagonally up each side of the central upright. There are nine varied jewels on the crown band. There is a short legend reading to the lower left anno and the date to the lower right. The edges are milled as usual. There was no issue in or dated 1834.
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 SOVEREIGN PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
Brilliant and attractive with thickly frosted devices and mirrored fields.
ex Spink & Son Ltd.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1831 G.britain
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NGC PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1SOV 1839 G.britain PLAIN EDGE
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NGC PF 61 CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA Young (small) Head, Type A1 (without die number) 1839 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN
(S 3852).
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: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Plain.
MINTAGE: 1230.
VICTORIA, 1839 PROOF SOVEREIGN
The 1839 Proof Sovereign was produced for presentation to very important persons, and William Wyon himself would have been able to supply proofs to whomever he pleased, or to those who would commission him to do so. These proof Sovereigns were produced with either an inverted or upright die axis, whether this was intentional or not is uncertain. The 1839 proofs were included as part of the “Coronation” Proof Sets showing proof quality coins struck from highly polished dies of all the denominations to be issued for currency if they had not done so already. Some of the proof denominations occur in these sets with either one die axis or the other, but to be a true set, all coins should feature the same die axis. As the Crown and Five Pounds always occur with the same upright die axis this would seem to dictate that all the proofs in the set from the Sovereign to Farthing of 1839 should also be upright. As mentioned above the impressive Proof Set also included the magnificent Five Pounds with the impressive depiction of the Queen as Una leading the British Lion. The set also included a Crown and both of these coins featured the full signature of William Wyon, as w wyon r.a. the letters showing his membership of admission to the Royal Academy. This was the first time an artist’s surname had appeared in full since Pistrucci’s full name on the George III Crowns and gold Five Pounds and Two Pounds patterns of 1820. Wyon had attempted this previously with the pattern Crown for William IV in 1831, but this did not make it to production for the 1831 Proof Set, having been abbreviated to ww as usually seen on the currency coinage. It seems by 1839 the advisory committee to the Royal Mint had relented. The 1839 Proof Set is generally accepted as the third Proof Set available from the Royal Mint and deluxe fitted cases could be supplied to house the coins.
VICTORIA First Small Young Head Type CURRENCY SOVEREIGN.
The currency Sovereigns of Queen Victoria begin with a standard Young head design engraved by William Wyon with date below. The head does not quite fill the field as a later depiction does from 1848, and has the hair bound with a double fillet. It also has a large bun at the rear of the head that drops down into a “ponytail,” which on this earlier issue terminates at the bottom in a single strand ring-like curl. The engraver’s initial’s w.w. appear raised on the truncation. The legend reads victoria dei gratia. The border is finely toothed with a linear circle around the raised border which features both sides with a milled edge. The young head obverse design in basic from runs from 1838 till 1887. There are no Sovereigns dated 1840. However, this first young head is of a smaller design and only lasts for ten years inclusive from 1838-1848. The reverse engraved by Jean Baptiste Merlen features a new crowned shield design with a laurel wreath surrounding to left and right of 24 leaves per side, the top of each wreath each side terminates in two leaves. The bottom stalks are tied together with a ribbon and emblematic plants are depicted below. A central rose with a thistle to the left and a shamrock to the right. A small rosette appears either side. The majority of currency reverses of Victoria carry seven strings in the Irish harp with a faint diagonal line running through them depicting the rear of the bottom harp body. The shorter left string generally emanates at the top from the scroll on the back of the female figure on the harp body. The inner arches of the crown above have eleven pearls on each side, and five more run up the central upright. There are nine varied jewels on the crown band. The legend reads britanniarum regina fid: def:. The reverse is struck with an inverted die axis in relation to the obverse. The shield type reverse design endures in the London series from 1838 till 1874 with just a few varieties. In the Colonial Australian series this reverse lasted until 1887 as it proved popular and acceptable in trade with Asia.
QUEEN VICTORIA
The Reign of Queen Victoria (House of Hanover) : 1837-1901
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.
1839 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN PF 61 CAMEO
Beautiful bright proof, with rich orange-gold color, sharp strike and frosted devices.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1839 G.britain PLAIN EDGE
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NGC PF 64 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1SOV 1887 G.britain JUBILEE HEAD
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NGC PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA Jubilee head, GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1887
(S 3866B).
1887 was the Jubilee year for the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession.
OBVERSE: Jubilee tall veiled bust left with older features, veil with two rows of crenellations, with small Imperial crown, large fleurs inside, top cross on field within the border, wearing 13 pearl necklace, brooch at front with relief jewel, half a garter star at base of bust under sash, decorated border to dress bust, j.e.b. on edge of truncation into field with stops, angled J, repositioned second legend closer to crown, two pearl drop ear ring, victoria d:g: britt: reg: f: d:, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim both sides, outer rim blends with teeth.
REVERSE: The Pistrucci's design of St George slaying dragon with sword, extra mane hair above hand holding rein, horse with short tail, three strand end to tail, two spurs of extra hair on curve of tail, dragon with three claws to left and three to right foreleg , trace of fourth claw, all attached, broken lance on ground-line to left, wwp in relief under lance, date in exergue, tiny B.P to upper right,
DESIGNER: Joseph Edwar Boehm.
DIAMETER: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 797.
VICTORIA, 1887 PROOF SOVEREIGN
English Silver Coinage quotes a figure of 797 Proof Sets with gold issued in 1887, no doubt Sovereigns and other coins from the set would have been available singly too, but the total issue of proof Sovereigns would be unlikely to exceed 1000 pieces as an educated guess. The above proof Sovereign sets the standard description for the Jubilee type coinage. There are only really three major varieties in this coinage. Firstly the position of the obverse legend of which this proof is the so-called second type with the first half of the legend appearing closer to the crown on the Queen’s head. The first type has the legend just over a millimetre further away. The designer’s initials on the truncation are the other area of variety on the obverse. The normal size initials always seem to have an angled letter J where the bottom is angled horizontally off the upright vertical. The smaller designer initials tend always to have a hooked J as you would expect. These initials can be differently arranged on the truncation of the bust, whether closer or spread and in line or in an arc, they can differ more on the Australian series coins. The other difference is the horse’s tail on the reverse, which becomes longer with different hair strand arrangements on some coins from 1891.
The Jubilee Style Bust Coinage For the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria preparations for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee of 1887 were underway years in advance. The Queen herself had first signified that she was willing for a change in portrait on the coinage as she had been most impressed by a portrait medal of her effigy by Mr Joseph Edgar Boehm RA (6 July 1834 - 12 December 1890) modelled from life. A large plaster model was prepared by Boehm in his studio, and from this metal copies were taken and then reduced for coinage. The first proposed coinage patterns appear from 1880 in base metals and silver, the Queen having sat for her portrait with Boehm in February of that year. The resulting currency coinage produced for 1887 included a commemorative gold Five Pound and Two Pound coin issued together for the first time since 1826. There were sets available in various guises officially for sale as proof or currency quality, with cases costing extra. The Jubilee coinage also marks for the first time in the British currency coinage the die axis being upright (en médaille). All die axes previously on coinage were of the inverted orientation and upright axis was reserved for medals or patterns. The obverse legend appears slightly more abbreviated than the last young head issue too. Apart from this, and the obvious bust change, the coinage is very similar to the previous young head St George type with a milled edge.
QUEEN VICTORIA
The Reign of Queen Victoria (House of Hanover) : 1837-1901
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
1887 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO
Extraordinary specimen of superb quality.
Beautiful bright black and white CAMEO with undisturbed frosty devices contrasting deeply mirrored, haze free, fields. Gorgious eye appeal. Surely one of the finest and prettiest proof sovereigns in existence.
NGC pop shows 2-66 designated PF Ultra Cameo and only 1-67, with none graded higher.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1887 G.britain JUBILEE HEAD
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NGC PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1SOV 1893 G.britain
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NGC PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, VICTORIA "Old Head", GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1893
(S 3874).
OBVERSE: Engraved by Thomas Brock, old veiled bust left, t.b. below, victoria d:g: britt: reg: f: d: ind: imp:, toothed border surrounding.
REVERSE: Engraved after Benedetto Pistrucci, St George slaying dragon with sword, three strand streamer on helmet, horse with long tail, three strand end to tail, two spurs of extra hair on curve of tail, dragon with four claws on each foreleg, broken lance on ground-line to left, wwp in relief under lance, date in exergue, tiny B.P.. to upper right, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim.
DIAMETER: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 773.
VICTORIA, 1893 PROOF SOVEREIGN.
Figures have been quoted of 556 Proof Sets with gold issued in 1893, no doubt Sovereigns and other coins from the set would have been available singly too, but the total issue of proof Sovereigns would be unlikely to exceed 750 pieces as an educated guess for this new coinage.
The Last Coinage of Queen Victoria
It was decided by a Royal Mint committee in February 1891 that the unpopular Jubilee portrait was no longer appropriate and something new was required. Fellows of the Royal Academy were called upon to submit ideas and designs, and the following made submissions:- Edward Onslow Ford ARA sculptor, Edward J Poynter RA painter, Henry N Armstead RA sculptor, Charles A Birch ARA sculptor, Thomas Brock RA sculptor, W Hamo Thornycroft RA sculptor. Interestingly Poynter had been one of the harsh critics of the Jubilee design, so now had a chance to literally prove how good a coin designer he himself was. However, Thomas Brock’s design won the day and the new older “widow” bust with heavy veil appeared for currency in 1893 to great acclaim. The design was engraved in metal from the designs by the Chief Engraver, George W De Saulles, who later went on to design the obverse for the King Edward VII coinage. Brock’s initials appear below the bust and the titles now significantly include the Empress of India and read thus victoria d:g: britt: reg: f: d: ind: imp:. Again the coins are struck en médaille with an upright die axis and the St George reverse continues effectively unchanged except in the smallest details, which can vary from die to die. The edges are of course milled.
QUEEN VICTORIA
The Reign of Queen Victoria (House of Hanover) : 1837-1901
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
1893 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 62 ULTRA CAMEO
Brilliant and attractive proof, with sharp strike, frosted devices and mirrored fields.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1816-1901
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1/2SOV 1893 G.britain
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NGC PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1SOV 1902 G.britain
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NGC PF 63 MATTE
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GT.BRITAIN, KING EDWARD VII GOLD MATTE PROOF SOVEREIGN 1902 (S3969).
OBVERSE: Engraved by George William De Saulles, bare head facing right. The small letters De S (for De Saules) below the truncation in relief; toothed border and raised rim.
REVERSE: Engraved after Benedetto Pistrucci, St George slaying dragon with sword, cloak with complete hemline, three stand helmet streamer, horse with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, broken lance on ground-line to left, wwp in relief under lance, date in exergue, tiny B.P. to upper right, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim.
ENGRAVERS and DESIGNERS: WHJ Blakemore, George William De Saules (1862-1903). Benedetto Pistruchi (1784-1855).
DIAMETER: 22.05 mm.
WEIGHT: 7.9987 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 15,123
RATING: C.
EDWARD VII, 1902 MATT PROOF GOLD SOVEREIGN
According to English Silver Coinage, just over 15,000 matt proof sets were issued of one formation or the other, which included a matt proof gold Sovereign. Single coins may well have been available on request to, so the final figure could be around 15,500 struck. The coinage of the reign of King Edward VII features a bare head portrait of the King facing to the right by George William De Saulles (4 February 1862 - 21 July 1903), who had been Chief Engraver since the death of Leonard Charles Wyon in 1892. De Saulles was authorised to execute new designs on 10 December 1901. His initials appear under the bust of the King and the titles now read EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: For the Sovereign the classic St George and dragon design continued, engraved after Pistrucci, still featuring the tiny wwp under the lance for William Wellesley Pole from his days of the Master-ship of the Mint about 1820. The reverse design still carries the inner linear circle and fine square teeth as used from the Jubilee head issue of Victoria through to the last issues of her reign. The coins have a milled edge. De Saulles died suddenly in the Summer of 1903 after a short illness, at Chiswick whilst working upon and preparing models for the Great Seal of Edward VII which had to be executed by Frank Bowcher.
EDWARD VII
The Reign of King Edward VII (House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) : 1901-1910.
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 69.
1902 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 63 MATTE
Superb grade for this low relief coin.
NGC Pop 2 with none grading higher. (Total graded: 58)
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1/2SOV 1902 G.britain
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PCGS PF 63 MATTE
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1SOV 1911 G.britain
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NGC PF 64 ULTRA CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE V GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1911
(S 4006).
OBVERSE: Designed by Edgar Bertram Mackennal, bare head left, B.M. on truncation, toothed border and raised rim, georgivs v d: g: britt: omn: rex f : d : ind : imp :.
REVERSE: Engraved after Benedetto Pistrucci, St George slaying dragon with sword, helmet with three strand streamer, horse with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, broken lance on ground-line to left, wwp in relief under lance, date in exergue, tiny b.p. to upper right, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim.
DIAMETER: 22.05 mm.
WEIGHT: 7.9987 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 3,764
RATING: S
GEORGE V, 1911 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN
According to English Silver Coinage, 3764 proof sets were issued of one formation or the other, which included a proof gold Sovereign. Single coins may well have been available on request too, so the final figure could be around 4000 struck. The reverse design continues from the reign of Edward VII still carrying the same outer border treatment as instigated in the reign of Queen Victoria. The coinage of the reign of King George V features a bare head portrait of the King facing to the left by the Australian sculptor, Edgar Bertram Mackennal (12 June 1863 – 10 October 1931), whose initials appear on the truncation of the bust and with the titles georgivs v d: g: britt: omn: rex f : d : ind : imp : Mackennal was famed for his artistic sculptures, but became more numismatically interesting, as the designer of the Olympic Medals for the London Olympic Games of 1908. This led to the commission for the Coronation Medallion for King George V, and he then successfully won the commission for the coinage and for postage stamp portraits. One other Royal commission was to design the tomb for King Edward VII at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. He was also the first Australian citizen to be knighted, in 1921 and was admitted to the Royal Academy in 1922. For the Sovereign the classic St George and dragon design continues engraved, after Pistrucci with his initials in the exergue, and amazingly still featuring the tiny wwp under the lance for William Wellesley Pole from his days of the Master-ship of the Mint circa 1820. Had the London Mint continued to produce gold Sovereigns from 1928, like some of the Colonial Mints did, then a smaller portrait of George V would no doubt have appeared as at Melbourne, Perth and Pretoria. More significantly, the reverses of these Colonial small head pieces are revised and the wwp initials disappear at last.
GEORGE V
The Reign of King George V (House of Windsor) 1910-1936.
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, 12 December 1911. Children: five sons, one daughter.
Died: 20 January 1936, aged 70.
1911 SOVEREIGN PF64 ULTRA CAMEO
Gorgious black and white CAMEO with undisturbed frosty devices contrasting deeply mirrored fields making for outstanding eye appeal. Ultra cameos are very unusual for George V proofs.
NGC pop report shows only three 1911 Ultra Cameo proofs, one 64, one 65 and one 66.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1/2SOV 1911 G.britain
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NGC PF 67 CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1SOV 1937 G.britain
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NGC PF 64 CAMEO
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GT.BRITAIN, GEORGE VI GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1937
(S 4076).
OBVERSE: By Thomas Humphrey Paget, bare head left, hp in relief below, georgivs vi d: g: britt: omn: rex f : d : ind : imp :, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim both sides
REVERSE: By Benedetto Pistrucci, St George slaying dragon with sword, four strand streamer from helmet, no mane hair over rein hand, horse with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, broken lance on ground-line to left, date in exergue, tiny B.P. to upper right.
DIAMETER: 22.05 mm.
WEIGHT: 7.9987 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
EDGE: Plain.
MINTAGE: 5,001
GEORGE VI, 1937 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN
It is known that 5,501 gold Sovereigns were issued for the Coronation year. King George VI died 6 February 1952 whilst his daughter Princess Elizabeth was away in Kenya. Thomas Humphrey Paget (September 1893-May 1974) was the designer of the coinage and postage stamps of not only King George VI but also for his elder brother King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in December 1936. Paget had prepared designs of Edward looking to the left like his Father King G eorge V, therefore breaking with the tradition in place since the reign of Charles II, of succeeding monarchs facing in the opposite direction to their predecessor. He did not see why he should not face the same way as his Father, and seemed keen to break old-fashioned tradition when he could. His eventual abdication was due to the love he had for the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, a story well known to many. Consequently his coinage is of the highest rarity, it only existing at either pattern or proof stage of the process. The only real currency coins are the twelve sided brass Threepence coins which were sent out to vending machine manufacturers to adapt their machinery to, and were subsequently never returned. There are only two Proof Edward VIII gold Sovereigns in private hands, one as part of a larger proof set now in Hollywood, USA. The other single one sold at a Tokyo, Japan auction in November 2008 for the equivalent at the time of £220,000 including buyers premium. King George VI, was happy to follow the tradition of facing the opposite way to his predecessor on the coinage, and as Edward should have faced right he decided he would face left on his coinage. Gold coinage was no longer required for currency as Great Britain was no longer on the Gold Standard and so gold Five Pound, Two Pound, Sovereign and Half-Sovereign were only produced for the one occasion, the Coronation of 1937. Opportunity was also taken to recut a design after Pistrucci of the St George reverse, supposedly using the original matrix that was used for the gold Pattern Five Pounds of George III from dating to 1820, the main difference being that he wwp initials under the lance are now absent.
GEORGE VI
The Reign of King George VI (House of Windsor) : 1936-1952
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.
1937 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 64 CAMEO
Bright, choice proof with frosty CAMEO devices contrasting mirrored fields. Gorgious eye appeal.
One year coin from the Coronation Proof Set .
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GREAT BRITAIN 1902-70
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1/2SOV 1937 G.britain GEORGE VI
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NGC PF 66 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1SOV 1980 G.britain
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NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo
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GT. BRITAIN, ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1980
(S 4204).
OBVERSE: Second crowned 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: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 81,200
RATING: C (M.Marsh).
ELIZABETH II, 1980 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN
In modern decimal times the Mint has released figures of how many coins of a commemorative issue are actually “issued”, rather than a calendar year output. These figures are useful, as often on certificates with these coins a “Limited Edition” figure is given which is the maximum number that could exist. The issue figure is often less than the limit of the edition, if an edition of coin is not a “sell-out”. Queen Elizabeth II has ruled for sixty years in 2012 and is the second-longest reigning monarch in British history after Queen Victoria. If she rules beyond the 10 September 2015, Queen Elizabeth will become the longest reigning British monarch. In her long reign Queen Elizabeth’s coinage has been through several portrait changes, more so since decimalisation in February 1971. The Second Bust of Queen Elizabeth II Decimalisation “D-Day” was 14 February 1971 and marked a change in the design of the coinage with new decimal reverses for the new denominations. A new obverse design of a more mature crowned portrait was also introduced. Arnold Machin (30 September 1911 - 9 March 1999) was the designer and also for the portrait upon the decimal stamps. His obverse lasted until 1984 dated coinage, 1985 marking the introduction of the portrait by Raphael David Maklouf.
ELIZABETH II
The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II (House of Windsor) : 1952-
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.
1980 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
Truly exceptional and absolutely flawless.
Fully struck with perfect CAMEO devices contrasting deeply mirrored surfaces.
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1/2SOV 1980 G.britain
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NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
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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 .
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1SOV 1985 G.britain
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NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo
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GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1985
(S 4271).
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: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 11,393
RATING: C
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1/2SOV 1985 G.britain
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NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1SOV 1989 G.britain Sovereign Anniversary
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NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo
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GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1989
(S 4272).
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: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 10535
RATING: C
ELIZABETH II, 1989 GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN
In modern decimal times the Mint has released figures of how many coins of a commemorative issue are actually “issued”, rather than a calendar year output. These figures are useful, as often on certificates with these coins a “Limited Edition” figure is given which is the maximum number that could exist. The issue figure is often less than the limit of the edition, if an edition of coin is not a “sell-out”. Queen Elizabeth II has ruled for sixty years in 2012 and is the second-longest reigning monarch in British history after Queen Victoria. If she rules beyond the 10 September 2015, Queen Elizabeth will become the longest reigning British monarch. In her long reign Queen Elizabeth’s coinage has been through several portrait changes, more so since decimalisation in February 1971.
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 sovereign.
ELIZABETH II
The Reign of Queen Elizabeth II (House of Windsor) : 1952-
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.
1989 GOLD SOVEREIGN PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
Truly exceptional and absolutely flawless.
Fully struck with perfect CAMEO devices contrasting deeply mirrored surfaces.
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1/2SOV 1989 G.britain Sovereign Anniversary
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NGC PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO
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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.
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1SOV 2007 G.britain
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NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo
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GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 2007 (S4430).
OBVERSE: Bust of the Queen facing right and wearing a tiara, the letters I R B below the truncation.
REVERSE: St. George with streamer flowing from helmet, mounted and slaying Dragon with a sword. Date below exergue line with small letters B.P. to right.
DESIGN: Obverse by Ian Rank-Broadley. Reverse by Benedetto Pistrucci.
DIAMETER: 22.05mm.
WEIGHT: 7.998 g.
FINENESS: 22 carat.
MILLESIMAL FINENESS: 916.66.
EDGE: Milled.
MINTAGE: 8,199
RATING: C
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GREAT BRITAIN - DECIMAL
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1/2SOV 2007 G.britain
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NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo
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GT. BRITAIN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II GOLD PROOF HALF-SOVEREIGN 2007 (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: 2,442.
RATING: C.
2007 GOLD HALF-SOVEREIGN PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
Absolute top grade and gorgeous eye appeal.
Full sharp strike with undisturbed frosty devices contrasting deeply mirrored, haze free, fields.
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