2001 Gold Full Sovereign Elizabeth II Bullion Coin

2001 Gold Bullion Sovereigns

Struck in traditional 22-carat gold and offering 0.2354 troy ounces of pure precious metal per coin, the 2001 Sovereign is an ideal blend of historic appeal and bullion reliability.

Issued solely for collectors and investors, these coins never entered circulation and are sold here in pre-owned condition. While light contact marks or surface spotting may be present, these bullion coins remain a cost-effective and desirable addition to any portfolio. 

The continued popularity of the 2001 Sovereign is bolstered by the use of the timeless Saint George reverse and the popular Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ian Rank-Broadley's Royal Portrait

The obverse of the 2001 gold Sovereign features the fourth official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, and introduced in 1998.

This effigy shows the Queen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Rank-Broadley's portrait was noted for its realism and dignity, portraying the monarch in a manner suited to the later years of her reign. His initials - 'IRB' - appear just below the neckline, and the encircling Latin inscription reads 'ELIZABETH ∙ II ∙ DEI ∙ GRA ∙ REGINA ∙ FID ∙ DEF ∙', which translates as 'Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith'.

Benedetto Pistrucci's Saint George

The reverse of the 2001 Sovereign features Benedetto Pistrucci's timeless engraving of Saint George mounted on horseback, slaying the dragon.

This iconic design, first used on Sovereigns in 1817, remains one of the most recognisable motifs in British coinage. In this powerful scene, Saint George raises his sword above the subdued dragon from his position on a rearing horse. The date (2001) appears below the ground line, and Pistrucci's initials (B.P.) are visible to the right.

This iconic reverse continues to serve as the standard design for most bullion Sovereigns and has become closely associated with this premium UK coin series.

How Many 2001 Sovereigns Were Minted?

In 2001, The Royal Mint produced 49,462 bullion Sovereigns for the UK and international gold markets.

While not a particularly scarce date, the 2001 Sovereign remains collectable thanks to its traditional design and classic portrait combination. Those looking to complete a full date set of Queen Elizabeth II gold Sovereigns understand that this coin is an essential lower mintage piece that may be more challenging to acquire compared to the 2000 Sovereign (129,069 minted) and the 2002 Sovereign (75,264 minted).

The 2001 Sovereign Coin Range

The Royal Mint's 2011 gold Sovereign collection included a range of individual issues, all featuring Pistrucci's classic Saint George reverse:

• 2001 bullion Sovereign
• 2001 bullion Sovereign in card
• 2001 proof Sovereign (boxed with a certificate of authenticity)
• 2001 bullion Half Sovereign
• 2001 bullion Half Sovereign in card
• 2001 proof Half Sovereign

Two types of gold proof Sovereign sets were also released by the Mint in 2001:

• 2001 three-coin Sovereign set (with a 2001 Marconi gold £2, a 'full' Sovereign and a Half Sovereign and a commemorative medal)
• 2001 four-coin Sovereign set (the same as the three-coin set, plus a gold Five Pound coin)

Trusted Royal Mint Investment Coin

For many investors, the 2001 Sovereign represents a stable and accessible entry point into the physical gold market.

Its design is familiar, its weight and purity are well established, and its tax treatment is highly favourable in the UK. The 2001 issue is especially suitable for investors building a diversified date-run of recent Sovereigns or for those seeking a balance of collectable interest and intrinsic gold value.