1989 1/2 Gold Sovereign 500th GOLD SOVEREIGN ANNIVERSARY 1489-1989 Alloy:22 Carat Gold Weight:3.99 g Diameter:19.30mm Mintage:8,888 pieces (except sets) Reverse Designer:Bernard Sindall Obverse Designer:Bernard Sindall Specification:Value Quality:Proof Year:1989 The coin was the first Sovereign reverse design change in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and, for the first time in over 100 years, a design other than St George and the Dragon appeared on the reverse side. The coins obverse is very special as for the first time Queen Elizabeth II was depicted not with a portrait but seated on the coronation throne. The reverse is equally as stunning, depicting a crowned shield of the Royal Arms, set upon a double Tudor Rose, in homage to the original Gold Sovereign of 1489, during the reign of Henry VII. Finally, the reverse legend is completely unique as it reads ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD SOVEREIGN 1489-1989, which is the first and only time in history the word ‘sovereign’ has ever appeared on a British coin. The Royal Mint is the guardian of the British Sovereign and back in 1989 we didn’t take the decision to replace St George and the Dragon and remove the portrait of the reigning monarch lightly. However, for such an important event as the 500th anniversary of the first ever Gold Sovereign, it was deemed appropriate to produce these special one off pieces that would go on to become one the most sought after coins of Her Majesty’s reign. * Dear buyers i would like to inform you that especially for this lot we do not ship outside European Union so please if you are outside the EU please do not place bids. We use DHL for domestic and international full insured shipping. If you don’t agree please don’t place bids. The shipping prices are for mainlands. In case will be extra added charges or custom clearances fees for anywhere else the buyer will have to cover the cost. See images for correct impression. Shipping within 3-29 days