Struck by the Royal Mint to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first gold Sovereign of 1489, the 1989 Full Sovereign is one of the most historically important modern issues in the series. Designed by Bernard Sindall, it features a complete one-year-only redesign, making it the only modern Sovereign not to feature Benedetto Pistrucci’s traditional St George and the Dragon reverse.

The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II seated upon King Edward’s Coronation Chair holding the Sovereign’s Sceptre and Rod of Equity and Mercy, while the reverse showcases the Royal Arms within a Tudor rose alongside the inscription marking the anniversary of the Gold Sovereign.

Certified by NGC as PF70 Ultra Cameo, the highest grade attainable, this example displays exceptional proof quality with deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices.

Specification

Issuing Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Elizabeth II (1952–2022)
Year: 1989
Denomination: Full Sovereign (£1)
Metal: 22 Carat Gold
Purity: 0.917 Fine Gold
Gold Content: 0.2354 Troy Ounces
Weight: 7.98g
Diameter: 22.05mm
Finish: Proof
Grading Service: NGC
Grade: PF70 Ultra Cameo
Designer: Bernard Sindall
Mintage: 23,471 Proof Pieces
Presentation: Encapsulated in official NGC holder