2022 Platinum Jubilee Gold Proof Half Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II

From a very limited issue, this 2022 gold proof Half Sovereign features a special reverse to celebrate a remarkable royal milestone.

The Platinum Jubilee

In February 2022, Her Majesty the Queen will mark her Platinum Jubilee. This will be the first time that a British monarch has celebrated seventy years on the throne. She succeeded her father on 6 February 1952 and was crowned later the same year.

A range of public events are already planned for the Platinum Jubilee, including a special four-day bank holiday (eagerly anticipated in The Britannia Coin Company office). 

The Royal Mint, however, are getting ahead of the curve with jubilee commemorations, authorising a special reverse for their flagship gold coin to mark the occasion. Coins from the 2022 Sovereign family - released in late 2021 - are the ultimate Platinum Jubilee collectible to remember a momentous royal occasion.

A Royal Arms Reverse

Most Half Sovereigns feature an instantly-recognisable reverse image of Saint George, slaying a dragon.

This 2022 Half Sovereign is one of the rare departures from this tradition, instead featuring a design inspired by Elizabeth II's royal arms. Crafted by heraldic artist Timothy Noad and the subject of much speculation ahead of its unveiling, the reverse is reminiscent of that which appeared on One Pound coins designed by Eric Sewell.

Noad was also responsible for the reverse of the 2002 Sovereign, struck for the Queen's Golden Jubilee so it's fitting that he should be called upon again for this milestone issue. Speaking of the commission he said:

'It was thrilling to be asked to submit designs for The Sovereign once again. The Sovereign is the most special coin in the UK; it represents the pinnacle of minting and has a strong association with the monarch, even in its name.'

His reinterpretation of the royal coat of arms is paired with Jody Clark’s fifth official effigy of Elizabeth II which appears on the obverse of the 2022 Half Sovereign.

Limited Edition Half Sovereign

Only 2,000 individual proof Half Sovereigns have been issued in this single coin presentation. Though more will appear in three, four and five coin sets this is a notably small number - well below the figures for 2002 and 2005 Half Sovereigns but comparable to the last time the reverse was changed (2012).

There's a great market for Sovereigns with alternate reverses and we anticipate that 2022 will be no different in this regard.

Your 2022 proof Half Sovereign is offered in its original packaging from The Royal Mint. This comprises of a specially designed card outer box and an attractive presentation case, complete with a detailed information booklet and a numbered certificate of authenticity.