Gold Great Britain Elizabeth II - Fifth Portrait (2016-Current)

Gold Great Britain Sovereign Elizabeth II - Fifth Portrait (Random 2016-Current)

The British Gold Sovereign continues to be globally recognized as one of the most enduring of official bullion coinage of all time. Its royal history and distinctive design makes it a favorite among collectors, and a must have for investors. The modern period of the Sovereign is clearly distinguished by the date-ranges of each of the reigning monarchs featured on the obverse of the coins. This Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign - Old (J.C.) represents the fifth design release.

The lengthy reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has produced six distinct designs of the bullion Sovereign. This Queen Elizabeth II Sovereign - Old (J.C.) release captures the Queen over 60 years into her reign, leading up to her 90th birthday. It is generally distinguished by referencing the designer's name, Jody Clark. This is perhaps the most distinctive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II displayed on bullion coinage. Jody Clark, a Royal Mint designer, has captured with stunning detail the aged Queen with a regal beauty that is ageless. The Queen is graced by the famed Diamond Diadem crown, worn by her during her coronation. This is the fifth official portrait designed to be displayed on currency. The date-range includes 2016-Current. Jody Clark's portrait is a fine representation of the Queen during this period. The reverse features the timeless interpretation by Benedetto Pistrucci of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon.

Highlights

• Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign - Old (J.C.) Random 2016-Current.
• This item will be pulled from random dates in the specific date range.
• The fifth official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for use on currency.
• Contains 0.2354 troy oz of .9167 fine gold.
• Minted to Bullion standard.
• Obverse: Displays portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark.
• Reverse: Features the classic design of St George and the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci.

Historical Reflections on the Gold Sovereign

The British Gold Sovereign rightly traces its royal lineage back to 1489 and the authorization of King Henry VII of a new 20 shilling gold coin. With the regal engraving of the king seated upon his throne, this 20 shilling piece quickly became known as "the Sovereign." Perhaps the real story begins to unfold with the 1817 introduction of the new Sovereign. This was a bold step, definitively placing the 20 shilling Gold Sovereign at the head of the "Recoinage" of the British Empire.

Sovereign Strength Reflected in the Currency

Enlisting the master skills of Benedetto Pistrucci, the coin's design was brought vividly to life. Pistrucci's contribution was the reverse design, that to this day has not lost the form and beauty of his original engraving. His interpretation of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon depicts a strength that deserved to be emblazoned upon the British Gold Sovereign. Although there have been minor revisions during the ensuing years, nothing has been lost of its original magnificence. Every ancient empire struck their coinage with images of power and strength. Although in more modern times, much has been lost regarding the the images portrayed by many of the nations of the world on their official coinage, the British Gold Sovereign is one that has continued to stand strong.

The obverse of the Sovereign has consistently displayed an effigy of the current reigning monarch. These include Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, and since 1957, Queen Elizabeth II. Each of the monarchs represented are stunning examples of fine bullion coinage. Although the modernization of each from Victoria, on through Elizabeth II is clear, the wonderful depictions of each period are true to their times. This makes each one a vital contribution to a complete British Gold Sovereign collection!