Description
This is a limited edition gold proof Sovereign, minted in 1981, the year Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. The coin features the second definitive portrait of the Queen, created by artist and sculptor Arnold Machin. This effigy was used on British currency from 1968 to 1985 and depicts Elizabeth II facing left, adorned with a tiara.
The youthful engraving is complemented by a historic reverse design that is synonymous with the gold Sovereign. This design was originally created for the first modern Sovereigns, which were issued in 1817 following the Napoleonic Wars. The reverse features Saint George, England’s patron saint, riding a rearing horse that tramples a cowering dragon beneath its hooves. This design, created by Italian artist Benedetto Pistrucci, has been featured on these coins for over two centuries. This item includes its original box and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
What distinguishes this edition is its proof finish, which is achieved through multiple strikes with hand-prepared dies. Proof coins exhibit an attractive high-contrast appearance and are minted in smaller quantities compared to their bullion counterparts. This particular Sovereign is one of 37,147 issued in 1981.
This 1981 proof Sovereign is struck in 22-carat gold (91.67% pure gold) and has a weight of 7.98 grams.truck in 22-carat gold (91.67% pure gold) and has a weight of 7.98 grams.
