1989 Gold Full Sovereign Elizabeth II Proof in Wooden Box

1989 Gold Proof Sovereign in Wooden Presentation Box. Struck from 22 carat gold, this British coin marks the 500th anniversary of the sovereign and was designed by Bernard Sindall.

This coin is issued in a wooden presentation box and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from The Royal Mint. These certificates were re-issued in 2007. The original presentation version can be found here. 

The 1989 gold sovereign is only available in a proof finish and no uncirculated version of this sovereign was issued.

Bernard Sindall designed the reverse and obverse of this coin to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign for Henry VII in 1489. The original sovereigns were intended to be used as a symbol of Britain's importance and wealth, to impress the rest of Europe. 

See our 1989 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, which, from memory, was about £175. 

Also, 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.

Type Sovereigns

Clearly there are difference of opinion between proof sovereign buyers; some want the familiar St George design, others prefer the special one-off designs. People buying as gifts tend to want the old familiar design, numismatic collectors tend to prefer the new different ones. 

It is likely that the Royal Mint will continue to use the definitive St George design in most years, but will probably use any excuse to slip in something different, such as “struck-on-the day”, piedforts, and other gimmicks to stimulate interest. 

The obverse features a representation of the Queen 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.