500th Anniversary of the First Gold Sovereign
✨ 1489–1989 • 22 CARAT GOLD • PROOF • LIMITED MINTAGE ✨
In 1989, The Royal Mint issued a special commemorative gold Proof coin to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign, originally introduced in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII.
The original sovereign was commissioned by Henry VII and featured the King enthroned in majesty. The denomination continued after the accession of James I in 1603 before eventually being replaced by other gold coinage, including the guinea in 1663.
The sovereign was reintroduced in 1817 during the reign of George III, featuring Benedetto Pistrucci's famous depiction of St George slaying the dragon.
For the 500th anniversary in 1989, The Royal Mint departed from the traditional St George and the Dragon design and introduced two completely new designs by renowned British engraver Bernard Sindall, inspired by the original 1489 sovereign.
The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II seated as at her coronation, surrounded by the inscription:
The Latin inscription may be translated as:
"Elizabeth II – by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith."
The seated portrait was created by Bernard Sindall specifically for the 1989 commemorative issue.
The reverse features a magnificent interpretation of the original sovereign design of 1489.
A Shield of the Royal Arms, surmounted by an open Royal Crown, is superimposed upon a double Tudor rose.
The surrounding inscription reads:
The reverse was also designed by Bernard Sindall.
The 1989 gold Proof half-sovereign was produced in a deliberately limited quantity for collectors and worldwide distribution.
The Royal Mint stated a maximum worldwide issue of 25,000 half-sovereigns, with a number reserved for inclusion in the special three-coin and four-coin Gold Proof Collections.
This coin therefore forms part of one of the most significant modern commemorative sovereign issues produced by The Royal Mint.
| Country | Great Britain / United Kingdom |
| Year | 1989 |
| Denomination | Half Sovereign |
| Metal | 22 Carat Gold |
| Gold Purity | 916.7 / 22ct |
| Weight | 3.99 g |
| Diameter | 19.30 mm |
| Finish | Proof |
| Reverse Designer | Bernard Sindall |
The coin has some small hairlines / minor surface scratches visible on the proof fields.
In my personal opinion, based on the appearance of the coin, I would estimate the condition at approximately PF67–PF68.
This is my personal assessment only and is NOT an official third-party grading opinion. Please carefully examine all photographs and make your own assessment of the condition before purchasing.
As with all Proof coins, the delicate mirrored surfaces can show hairlines or marks particularly easily, so please use the photographs as the primary reference for the exact condition of this individual coin.
The coin is accompanied by its original Royal Mint Certificate of Authenticity.
The 1989 sovereign anniversary issue is particularly attractive to collectors because it represents a major departure from the traditional sovereign design.
Rather than simply reproducing the familiar St George and the Dragon motif, the Royal Mint created modern interpretations of the original 1489 sovereign, linking the modern Elizabeth II issue directly with the origins of Britain's most famous gold coin.
The combination of historical significance, limited production, 22-carat gold and distinctive Royal Mint designs makes this a highly collectible modern Proof half-sovereign.
Please study all photographs carefully before purchasing. The photographs form an important part of the description and show the actual coin offered for sale. The PF67–PF68 assessment is a personal opinion only and does not constitute an official grading service assessment.