A 2016 gold proof Sovereign, offered in its original packaging from The Royal Mint. One of only 9,675 proof Sovereigns struck in this year, this coin features a unique obverse, crafted by sculptor James Butler. His portrait of Elizabeth II replaces Jody Clark’s effigy in celebration of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. This is accompanied by the instantly-recognisable image of a mounted Saint George slaying a dragon, first used on Sovereigns in 1817. Your 2016 proof Sovereign conforms to a rigorous standard: it’s composed of 7.98 grams of 22 carat gold and measures 22.05 millimetres across. The proof finish ensures the highest possible standard of production which is preserved by the coin’s capsule. This Sovereign comes with its numbered certificate of authenticity, confirming its collectibility.
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A 2016 gold proof Sovereign, featuring a special, one-year-only obverse portrait.
The Chief Coin of the World
The first gold Sovereigns were minted in England in 1489, during the reign of king Henry VII. The Tudor Sovereign provided inspiration for a new coin, first issued in 1817 in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. The new Sovereign became increasingly popular through the nineteenth century, struck in vast quantities in London but also at branch mints across the Empire.
Sovereigns disappeared from circulation in Britain with the start of the First World War though proof sets were still issued for royal coronations. It was not until 1957 that Sovereigns were regularly minted again, meeting the demand of the international bullion market.
In 1979 The Royal Mint began offering proof Sovereigns annually in limited numbers. The proud heritage of the historic Sovereign lingers around these collector’s pieces which share the same exacting specifications as the coins issued in 1817.
James Butler's Birthday Portrait
2016 marked Her Majesty the Queen's 90th birthday and, to celebrate, gold proof Sovereigns minted in this year feature a special obverse. Bullion Sovereigns and other British money struck in 2016 show Jody Clark's effigy of Her Majesty the Queen, introduced the previous year. The 2016 proof Sovereign, however, features a special portrait, designed by James Butler MBE RA.
A sculptor, known for his towering civic works, Butler has also designed a number of Royal Mint coins, including a 50p commemorating Roger Bannister's four-minute mile. This portrait of Elizabeth II, wearing the State Diadem, isn't his first. He was also responsible for the image of the Queen that appears on her Great Seal, adopted in 2001. Speaking of his effigy, Butler said:
‘I wanted to show a likeness of her, an affectionate image, as this was a celebration rather than a circulating coinage portrait.’
Butler's portrait is accompanied by the traditional image of Saint George and the Dragon. A perennial feature of the Sovereign since its inception, this reverse design is the work of Italian engraver, Benedetto Pistrucci.
Limited Edition Collector's Coin
Like all modern gold Sovereigns, this 2016 example is composed of 7.98 grams of 22 carat gold. That’s a purity of 91.6% or a fineness of .917 and a pure gold weight of 7.32 grams or 0.2354 troy ounces. This and the diameter – 22.05 millimetres - have been the same for centuries.
The proof finish of this coin is achieved with hand-finished dies, multiple strikings and careful post-production inspections. This time-consuming process ensures an unmatched level of detail, enabling you to appreciate the design of this coin as it was intended.
Only 9,675 gold proof Sovereigns were struck in 2016 with 7,495 offered in this presentation.
Your 2016 Sovereign comes in its original packaging from The Royal Mint, consisting of a wood-effect case and maroon card box. The coin itself remains sealed in a capsule and is accompanied by an information booklet and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Product Summary
Product Code:
SV16
Stock Remaining:
3
Metal:
Gold
Precious Metal Content:
7.31 (g)
Material:
Gold
Monarch:
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Denomination:
Sovereign
Country:
United Kingdom
Finish:
Proof
VAT Status:
Exempt
Capital Gains Tax Status:
Exempt
Weight:
7.98g
New / Pre-owned:
New
Condition:
Proof - Boxed with certificate of authenticity
Diameter:
22.05mm
2016 gold proof Sovereign
Celebrates Elizabeth II's 90th birthday
7.98 grams of 22 carat gold
Beautiful proof finish
22.05 millimetre diameter
Reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci's St George
Obverse shows a unique portrait by James Butler
From a limited edition presentation of 7,495
Offered in original packaging with numbered certificate
VAT and Capital Gains Tax free
Steeped in more than 1,100 years of history, The Royal Mint supplies all of the United Kingdom's coinage as well as currency for nations around the world. Renown for craftsmanship and thoughtful design, The Royal Mint also produces commemorative coins, favoured by investors and collectors.
A Millennia of Minting
Founded in the reign of Alfred the Great, around the year 886, The Royal Mint was originally one of several mints which were centralised to London in 1279. For more than 800 years the Mint was based at the Tower of London before moving to Royal Mint Court where it remained until the 1960s.
The Royal Mint has always been on the forefront of economic, technical and artistic innovation. Its skilled craftsmen minted coins that would reach the far corners of the British Empire, establishing the image and reputation of Britain for all whose pockets they ended up in.
In 2010 The Royal Mint became a limited company owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury. In recent years the Mint has struck medals for the 2012 London Olympic Games and opened a visitor centre, The Royal Mint Experience, in Llantrisant, Wales: the current home of The Royal Mint.
Collecting and Investing
The Royal Mint's commemorative and bullion coins – often minted to mark important national events and anniversaries – are not intended for circulation. They might look like ordinary coins but they are generally worth much more, thanks to their scarcity, finish and composition.
Most commemorative coins produced by The Royal Mint are available in a range of striking standards including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated and Bullion. Some are also available in collectors sets. Gold and Silver Proof coins are minted in small numbers, making them rare and desirable.
The Royal Mint's commemorative coins are both VAT-free and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt, making them an attractive and valuable investment. Whether you are diversifying your investments or simply appreciate world-class design, commemorative coins from The Royal Mint are a great buy.
The Royal Mint at The Britannia Coin Company
The Britannia Coin Company is proud to stock official commemorative coins from The Royal Mint as well as a wide range of historic Royal Mint coinage. We offer unbeatable value on The Royal Mint coins, backed by our reputation for honesty and integrity, built over more than a decade of trading.
We're The Britannia Coin Company: offering exceptional service and unbeatable value to all who collect and invest in coins. Part of Gold-Traders (UK) Ltd, we've earned a world-class reputation over more than a decade of buying and selling currency from new issues to ancient coins.
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We're based in Royal Wootton Bassett, a historic market town in beautiful Wiltshire. If the name rings a bell it's probably because you remember how the community honoured those soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 'Royal' in the name was granted in 2011 to recognise this.
Our new showroom – opened in 2020 – is located in the heart of Royal Wootton Bassett in a grand, old bank building. Inside you can view our stock, as well as jewellery and collectibles from several local antique dealers. Look out for the Old Bank Antiques sign and come on in.
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7th March 2023
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9th February 2023
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18th January 2023
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18th January 2023
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18th January 2023
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18th January 2023
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What can I say, couldn’t improve anymore, ordered the sovereign Monday morning and had it by Tuesday morning. Would highly recommend Britannia coins and I’ll definitely be back when funds allow. Many thanks! ***
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18th January 2023
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18th January 2023
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11th November 2022
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