Product Information

Benedetto Pistrucci's neo-classical design of St George slaying the dragon graces the reverse of the double-sovereign, sovereign and half-sovereign while the obverse bears the much-acclaimed portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Raphael Maklouf. The three coins, all struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality, are housed within their original red presentation case and are accompanied by an original Certificate of Authenticity

Background & History

A Celebration of Two Acclaimed Numismatic Designers
Raphael Maklouf - Benedetto Pistrucci

In the Queen's reign the gold sovereign has proved to be one of the most beloved of collector coins and has featured all four of her numismatic portraits. In August 1984 the Queen approved a new effigy for use on United Kingdom coins from January 1985.

The portrait was the work of sculptor Raphael Maklouf, who set out with the intention of producing 'a symbol-regal, with a sense of timelessness'. His exquisite portrait shows the Queen wearing a Royal Diadem, the crown customarily worn to and from the State Opening of Parliament, and the portrait remained in use until 1998.

The renowned design of St George slaying the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci has captured the interest of numismatists and artists for over 150 years. It first appeared on the sovereign of 1817 and, with the exception of the coins of 1989, 2002 and 2005, has featured on every sovereign and half-sovereign for more than 100 years