The 1998 Gold Proof Half Sovereign represents an important transitional year in modern British coinage, becoming the first Half Sovereign to feature the new portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. Introduced in 1998, the portrait replaced Raphael Maklouf's effigy, which had appeared on British coinage from 1985 to 1997, and presented a more mature depiction of the Queen wearing a tiara.

The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait, with the artist's initials IRB positioned beneath the truncation of the Queen's neck. The reverse continues one of Britain's longest-standing numismatic traditions with Benedetto Pistrucci's celebrated depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon, a design closely associated with the Sovereign since its introduction in 1817.

Struck in 22-carat gold to The Royal Mint's Proof standard, the coin weighs 3.99g and contains 3.65g of fine gold. With just 6,147 Proof Half Sovereigns issued in 1998, this example combines a relatively limited mintage with the historical significance of the first appearance of Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait on the denomination. The coin is presented in its original Royal Mint box with Certificate of Authenticity, making it an attractive complete example for collectors of British gold Sovereigns and Queen Elizabeth II coinage.

Specification

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Elizabeth II (1952–2022)
Year: 1998
Denomination: Half Sovereign
Metal: Gold (22 Carat)
Fine Gold Content: 3.65g
Weight: 3.99g
Diameter: 19.30mm
Finish: Proof
Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley
Reverse Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci
Proof Mintage: 6,147
Presentation: Original Royal Mint Box & Certificate of Authenticity