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Highly collectable 1985 gold proof UK Half Sovereign from The Royal Mint. This sought-after British coin is one of the first to feature Raphael Maklouf's definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Introduced in 1985, Maklouf's effigy was the third to be used on UK currency and shows Her Majesty wearing the Diamond Diadem, along with earrings and a necklace. This elegant portrait is paired with a much older reverse design, inspired by the legend of Saint George. Benedetto Pistrucci's classic Sovereign reverse has been a mainstay of these 22-carat gold coins since 1817 and remains beloved by collectors and investors. This pre-owned 1985 gold Half Sovereign comes encapsulated in the original presentation case with a numbered certificate of authenticity from the Royal Mint enclosed. It's an important addition to any collection of gold Half Sovereigns.
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1985 was the first year in which Raphael Maklouf's third definitive coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was used on gold Half Sovereigns. The inscription around the bust reads 'ELIZABETH II DEI · GRA · REG · F · D ·'.
Benedetto Pistrucci's instantly recognisable engraving of Saint George, mounted on horseback, in the act of slaying a winged dragon, features on the reverse of 1985 Half Sovereigns. The artist's initials ('B.P.') appear to the right of the date.
Gold Half Sovereigns, including the 1985 issue, are struck to a strict specification in 3.99 grams of 22-carat gold, offering investors 0.1176 troy ounces of precious metal. These coins measure 19.30 millimetres from milled edge to milled edge and feature a beautiful proof finish.
In 1985, The Royal Mint released 9,951 gold proof Half Sovereigns, with further proof coins included in proof sets. No bullion gold Half Sovereigns were issued in 1985.
Proof Half Sovereigns are a popular choice for both new and seasoned collectors, thanks to their low mintages, enduring gold value, and relative affordability. Our pre-owned 1985 coins are no exception. They are offered in the original packaging with a numbered certificate enclosed.
