1989 Double Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO Coin

The 1989 Double Gold Proof NGC PF-70 Sovereign, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Sovereign Coin's introduction in 1489 during King Henry VII's reign, showcases the coveted Coronation obverse and Tudor Rose reverse designs by Bernard Sindall.

• Manufactured by The Royal Mint
• NGC Grade: PF-70 ULTRA CAMEO
• 22 Carat / 0.9167 fineness
• Contains 0.471 troy ounce of the precious metal
• Exempt from Capital Gains Tax & VAT
• Presentation: Protective case
• Weight: 15.98g
• Diameter: 28.4 mm

See our 500th Anniversary of the Sovereign Collection.

500th Anniversary of the Gold Sovereign

When these sovereigns were originally issued in 1989, they were not universally popular, and the Royal Mint failed to sell out of its entire issue limit. We believe this was because the coin was different, and many people expect and want the familiar St. George and Dragon design.  

Since then, demand for the 1989 has grown, and prices are now sky high compared with the original price.

The Mint have made one-off design sovereigns in 2002, 2005, 2012, 2017, and most recently 2022 all of which have been popular. These special issues may have contributed to the increased interest in the 1989.

Ultra Cameo Coins

It's worth noting the coins are also Ultra Cameo, meaning there is a high contrast between the matte and mirror finish on the design.

The obverse features a representation of Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation. She is seated facing on a throne and is holding the Sceptre with the Cross and the Rod with the Dove. The legend reads:

ELIZABETH • II • DEI • GRA • REG • FID • DEF

The reverse of the 1989 Elizabeth II gold sovereign mirrors its 500 year old original counterpart. The Royal Arms shield is surmounted by the royal crown, both of these images are superimposed upon a double Tudor rose. The inscription reads:

1489-1989 ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD SOVEREIGN

Both the reverse and the obverse designs were created by the sculptor, Bernard Sindall.