2017 '200th Anniversary' Gold Proof Sovereign Coin

This gold sovereign commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the First Modern Sovereign. It features a remastered version of the original St George and the Dragon garter design by Benedetto Pistrucci.

• This commemorative coin is struck in 22 carat gold to a proof finish
• Limited mintage of just 10,500 coins

See the rest of the 2017 Sovereign Collection.

200 Years of the Sovereign

The 200th Anniversary of the First Modern Sovereign is celebrated on the 2017 proof sovereign. This commemorative coin features the famous St George and the Dragon garter design by Benedetto Pistrucci. This stunning design was used on the first modern sovereign that was introduced on the 1817 George III sovereign.

In 1816, the British government commissioned a reform of British coinage. The new coinage was issued in 1817 and included the sovereign which was the modern pound coin. 

To celebrate this momentous numismatic occasion, The Royal Mint have remastered the original design from the 1817 George III sovereign. Whilst the St George and the Dragon design has featured frequently in previous years, the garter border and inscription HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE have not been used since 1820.

These coins are presented in a wooden presentation box and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from The Royal Mint.

The proof full sovereigns have a mintage figure of 13,500, however this includes the proof coins being issued as parts of sets. The individual proof sovereign has a limited edition presentation figure of 10,500 coins.

The obverse features the fifth definitive UK coin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, his initials JC are below the truncation. This is the first time since 1887 that the date has been featured on the obverse of the coin. The obverse legend reads:

ELIZABETH II·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF·2017

A remastered version of the 1817 iconic St George and the Dragon engraving is featured on the reverse of the coin. The design, by Italian engraver, Benedetto Pistrucci, features the garter border, which has not been appeared on sovereigns since 1820. 

Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

The garter inscription on the St. George and the Dragon reverse reads "Honi soit qui mal y pense", which is French for "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it". This is the motto of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the UK.