Description
The 2016 half sovereign marks several notable events in British coinage. It’s the first non-proof half sovereign to feature the new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, introduced the previous year. Additionally, the 2016 proof half sovereign commemorates her 90th birthday with a portrait by James Butler. Both versions retain the classic St George and the dragon reverse design by Benedetto Pistrucci.
The reverse features St. George on horseback slaying the dragon right, date and engraver’s initials in exergue, crafted by the renowned engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This powerful design portrays Saint George valiantly slaying the dragon, symbolising bravery and heroism. The inscriptions accompanying this artwork include and the year “2016,” affirming the coin’s value and its lineage in British coinage. Struck in 22-carat gold (91.67% pure) with a weight of 3.99g, the Half Sovereign is treasured by collectors for its historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and intrinsic value as a gold coin. Each piece holds a deep connection to the rich tapestry of British history, making it a cherished addition to any numismatic collection.
