Struck to mark the Millennium year, the 2000 Gold Proof Half Sovereign forms part of an important year for the modern Sovereign series. Produced by The Royal Mint in 22-carat gold to Proof standard, the coin was issued for collectors during a year that also saw the return of regular bullion Half Sovereign production for the first time since 1982.

The obverse features the fourth definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and introduced to British coinage in 1998. The portrait presents a more mature depiction of the Queen wearing a tiara, with Rank-Broadley's initials appearing beneath the truncation. The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci's iconic depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon, a design first introduced to the Sovereign in 1817 and one of the most recognisable images in British numismatics.

Struck with the specially prepared dies and polished blanks associated with The Royal Mint's Proof coinage, the 2000 Half Sovereign displays the sharp detail and reflective fields expected of a collector issue. Combining the significance of the Millennium year, the classic Pistrucci reverse and Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, this example is presented in its original Royal Mint box with Certificate of Authenticity.

Specification

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Elizabeth II (1952–2022)
Year: 2000
Denomination: Half Sovereign
Metal: Gold (22 Carat)
Fineness: 916.7
Weight: 3.99g
Fine Gold Content: 0.1177 Troy Oz
Diameter: 19.30mm
Finish: Proof
Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley
Reverse Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci
Mint: The Royal Mint
Presentation: Original Royal Mint Box & Certificate of Authenticity