1911 Half Sovereign Proof · PCGS PR64

The 1911 Gold Proof Half Sovereign was issued by The Royal Mint to mark the coronation of King George V, who was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 22 June 1911. Struck during the first year of his coinage, this special coronation issue was produced with a limited proof mintage of just 3,764 examples, distinguishing it from the circulating Half Sovereigns of the same year. This example has been authenticated and encapsulated by PCGS with the grade PR64, recognising its proof manufacture and level of preservation more than a century after its original striking.

The obverse features the first definitive portrait of King George V, designed by Australian-born sculptor Bertram Mackennal. The King is depicted bare-headed and facing left, with Mackennal's initials, B.M., appearing on the truncation of the portrait. Surrounding the effigy is the Latin inscription GEORGIVS V DEI GRA BRITT OMN REX F D IND IMP, reflecting the monarch's royal titles. As the first year of George V's portrait on British coinage, the 1911 issue holds particular historical significance within the Sovereign series.

The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci's iconic depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon, a design first introduced on the modern Sovereign in 1817. Saint George is shown mounted on horseback, raising his sword against the dragon, with the date 1911 positioned beneath the ground line. Struck in 22 carat gold to proof standard, the specially prepared dies and polished blanks highlight the intricate detail of Pistrucci's composition. The coin retains the traditional Half Sovereign specifications, weighing 3.99 grams and measuring 19.30mm in diameter.

With a proof mintage of just 3,764 coins, the 1911 Gold Half Sovereign forms part of the special coinage produced to mark the coronation of King George V. Originally included in The Royal Mint's coronation proof sets, this issue combines a significant royal milestone with the first coinage portrait of a new monarch and Pistrucci's enduring reverse design. Its PCGS PR64 certification further distinguishes this example from the much larger number of circulating Half Sovereigns struck in 1911, representing an important piece of early twentieth-century British numismatic history.