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1990 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Half Sovereign

1990 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Half Sovereign Boced
from
£350.00
(VAT Exempt)
1990 gold proof Sovereign from a limited issue of 4,231 coins. Half Sovereigns were introduced in 1817, alongside the modern full Sovereign, in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. They’re still minted to a specification established at that time. Each Half Sovereign is composed of 3.99 grams of 22 carat gold (that’s .1176 troy oz of pure gold) with a 19.30 millimetre diameter. This 2004 Sovereign is no different except in that it is struck to proof standard. Design for collectors, proof coins have a higher level of detail and shine compared to their uncirculated counterparts thanks to multiple strikes of hand-finished dies. 1990 Half Sovereigns feature the third definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Raphael Maklouf. This effigy was used on British money between 1985 and 1997. The reverse shows the classic image of Saint George, mounted on horseback in the act of slaying a dragon. It’s the work of Italian artist, Benedetto Pistrucci and has become intrinsically linked with these prestigious gold coins. This one comes in it is original presentation case from The Royal Mint with its numbered certificate of authenticity included.
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£350.00
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£350.00
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Limited edition Royal Mint 1990 gold proof Sovereign from a limited issue of 4,231.

Gold Half Sovereigns History

The first Half Sovereigns were minted by the Tudor monarchs. Later, the name was revived for a new gold coin, introduced in 1817 following a major overhaul of British coinage. They were minted for more than a century, only falling out of production and circulation after the First World War.

Half Sovereigns are composed of 3.994 grams of 22 carat gold. They have a diameter of 19.30 and contain .1176 troy ounces of pure gold. Nominally, Half Sovereigns have a value of half a Pound sterling though their precious metal content means they are worth significantly more.

Proof Half Sovereigns began to be minted regularly in the 1980s, joining full Sovereigns as part of the The Royal Mint’s most prestigious annual issue. These coins are available in sets and individually, minted in smaller numbers than larger Sovereigns which makes them particularly collectible.

Pistrucci and Maklouf

For much of its history the modern Half 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 and Half 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.

Between 1985 and 1997, British money, including Half Sovereigns featured a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by renown sculptor Raphael Maklouf to the obverse. His effigy shows the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem. Maklouf's initials can be seen on the truncation of her neck.

Collectible Proof Sovereign

This 1990 Half Sovereign comes in its original box and case with a numbered certificate of authenticity. It's finished to The Royal Mint’s proof standard. Intended for collectors, proof coins have crisp details and high contrast between fields and designs, achieved with multiple strikes of specially prepared dies.

4,231 gold proof Half Sovereigns were issued in this presentation in 1990.

If you're interested in a 1990 gold proof Half Sovereign you may also want to consider a 'full' 1990 proof Sovereign or our mixed year, best value bullion Half Sovereigns.

These are all are 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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