Gold Sovereigns

1981 Royal Mint Proof

22 Carat Gold
1974 saw the introduction of another portrait. Arnold Machin, the designer of the Queen's portrait which appeared on British stamps since 1967, described as the most reproduced portrait of all time, as literally billions of these stamps were made, was granted four sittings at Buckingham Palace and Balmoral..
Issued from 1974 to 1984, except for 1975 and 1977.

1981 Gold Sovereign Proof Reverse
1981 Gold Sovereign Proof Obverse
Mintage
32,960

Sovereigns were reintroduced in 1957 showing the young laureate, first, portrait which was used on all Elizabeth II pre-decimal coins. First introduced in 1917, the George and Dragon reverse design is virtually unchanged since the Garter was removed on the sovereign of 1821.
The dragon has still not been slain.
1982 saw the last of the bullion sovereigns to be made for 18yrs, from 1983 to 1999 only collector proof versions were made.

Specifications

Sources
Composition: 91.67% Gold
8.33% Copper
Gold Content: 0.2354 oz
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 7.9881 grams
Size: 21.5 mm
Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci
Obverse: Arnold Machin
Chard Gold Sovereigns

The Sovereign
Daniel Fearon & Brian Reeds
2001
Hilden Publications
17 Windmill Drive
Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Token Publishing
The Gold Sovereign
Golden Jubilee Edition
Michael A Marsh
2002
25A St Neots Rd
Hardwick
Cambrigeshire CB3 7QH
United Kingdom

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