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1985 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Sovereign

1985 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Sovereign Boxed

Buy a 1985 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Sovereign

from
£675.00
(VAT Exempt)
Limited edition 1985 proof ‘full’ Sovereign from a limited Royal Mint of just 17,242. 1985 was the year that the third definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty the Queen was introduced to British coinage. The work of the sculptor, Raphael Maklouf it shows Elizabeth II, facing left wearing a tiara, earrings and a necklace. It’s a more mature depiction than Arnold Machin’s preceding portrait but still youthful in comparison to the effigy by Ian Rank-Broadley that would replace it in 1997. Maklouf’s Elizabeth is paired with a classic reverse design, long associated with the Sovereign. It was designed for the first modern Sovereigns, issued in 1817 in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The engraving shows Saint George - England’s patron saint - mounted on a rearing horse which crushes a cowering dragon beneath its hooves. It’s the work of an Italian artist named Benedetto Pistrucci and has been used on these coins for two centuries now. This 1985 Sovereign maintains the standards established back in the days of George III: it is composed of 7.98 grams of 22 carat gold with a diameter of 22.05 millimetres and a milled edge. What makes this edition different is the proof finish, achieved with multiple strikes of hand-prepared dies. Proof coins have an attractive high-contrast appearance and are minted in smaller numbers than their bullion counterparts. This one is offered in its original presentation packaging with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
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1985 'full' proof Sovereign: the first to feature the third portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

History: The Gold Sovereign

The first Sovereigns were struck during the reign of Tudor king Henry VII. Centuries later, a new gold coin bearing this name was introduced, following a major overhaul of British coinage. This Sovereign, first minted in 1817, established specifications that are still strictly followed today.

All Sovereigns weight exactly 7.98 grams and are composed of 22 carat gold. That's a gold weight of 7.32 grams or .2354 troy ounces. Sovereigns measure 22.05 millimetres in diameter and have a nominal face value of one pound sterling though their gold content means they command significantly higher prices.

Sovereigns once circulated across the globe but production ceased with the outbreak of the First World War. Reintroduced in 1957, annual issues attract investors and collectors with limited edition proof Sovereigns - hand-finished for a flawless effect - the most sought-after.

Bendetto Pistrucci's St George

For much of its history the modern Sovereign has featured an iconic reverse design, crafted by Italian artist Benedetto Pistrucci. His instantly-recognisable Saint George and the Dragon design shows England's patron saint mounted on a horse, slaying a dragon underfoot.

It's a powerful image that has become synonymous with the gold Sovereign. These coins don't carry their denomination on their face as part of their legend like most currency, so the Saint George motif is an easy identifier for many collectors. The coin's date appears below the dragon.

Pistrucci's reverse is paired with Raphael Maklouf's portrait of Her Majesty the Queen. This effigy was in use on British coinage between 1985 and 1997. Maklouf's initials - 'RDM' - appear on the truncation of Elizabeth II's neck.

Gold Proof Sovereigns

From 1979, The Royal Mint offered both proof and bullion Sovereigns alongside each other. Between 1983 and 1997 only proof coins were issued, making them particularly desirable to collectors. Intended for collectors, proof coins have a high-definition, high-contrast finish, achieved with multiple strikes of hand-prepared dies.

Just 17,242 proof Sovereigns were offered by The Royal Mint in 1985.

The finish is preserved by the original presentation box that the coin comes in. Also included: a numbered certificate of authenticity.

If you're interested in buying Sovereigns you might want to consider our best value, mixed-year 'full' Sovereigns which make a great investment.

Like all Sovereigns, this one is exempt from Capital Gains Tax as UK legal tender and free from VAT in the UK and EU as investment grade gold.

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