1989 Gold Full Sovereign Elizabeth II Proof

Struck in 22 carat gold, this British coin marks the 500th anniversary of the sovereign and was designed by Bernard Sindall.

If this coin is not in stock we may have the wooden box presentation version available here. We do keep a waiting list for this coin, if you would like to be added please click the "email me when back in stock" or "add to wishlist" buttons.

The 1989 gold sovereign is only available in a proof finish. 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. In 1489, during the reign of King Henry VII, the first gold sovereign was minted. The coin was named 'sovereign' to represent the power and authority of the English monarchy.

See our 1989 Sovereign Collection.

Please note, due to the pre-owned nature of these coins, the colour and design of the presentation box may vary. 

If you are looking to sell your 1989 Sovereign, please click here for further information.

1989 Sovereign Mintage and Issue Limits

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.  

We can remember having a scuffed specimen in stock for years at one stage, and could not sell it, even to go into jewellery, which is where it had been when we bought it. After a few years, we scrapped it. 

There is no doubt in our mind that the average (non-sovereign collector) person liked the St George 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, 2012, and 2017, all of which have been popular. These special issues may have contributed to the increased interest in the 1989. 

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.