October 6, 2011 – The Royal Mint has unveiled the 2011 GBP5 Sovereign Brilliant Uncirculated coin, the last – and largest – of the 2011 Gold Sovereign collection. Since September 2011 this rare and beautiful coin, lavishly struck in 22 carat gold, is available to purchase directly from the Royal Mint.
Great Britain – 5 GBP – 22 carat gold – 30.94 g – 36.02 mm – Design: Ian Rank-Broadley (obverse) and Benedetto Pistrucci (reverse) – Mintage: 1,000.
The Sovereign features on the reverse, a magnificent rendition of classical engraver Benedetto Pistrucci’s renowned design of St George and the dragon, which first appeared on the £5 Sovereign in 1820, becoming synonymous with British coinage ever since.
The obverse of the coin features Her Majesty The Queen’s portrait designed by acclaimed sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, FRBS, whose effigy of the monarch has appeared on UK and Commonwealth circulating coins since 1998.
Accurately reflecting the detail and relief of Pistrucci’s artistry across every coin in the 2011 Sovereign range, the Royal Mint’s engraving team used original tools from the 1820s and 1870s, and through a careful process created new tools, to remain true to the original masterpiece.
Containing as much gold as five single Sovereigns, the GBP5 Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Sovereign is the largest in the family of Royal Mint Sovereigns, befitting its status as an iconic, respected and instantly recognisable coin across the world, synonymous with wealth and Britain itself.
Created upon instruction from King Henry VII to develop a “new money of gold” to reflect dignity, stability and prestige, this most admired of coins acquired the moniker “Sovereign” for its supreme size and value. Now, with a rare Sovereign redesign planned by the Royal Mint to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the 2011 GBP5 Sovereign is the last mintage of the traditional Pistrucci design until 2013, making it a key issue in the coin’s history.
A maximum of 1,000 GBP5 UK sovereigns will be struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality, making them very rare and desirable. With both 2008, 2009 and 2010 sold out to issue limit, the limited edition 2011 coin is the only GBP5 Sovereign to be made available as a single coin in its own presentation case, and not as part of a collection.
The 2011 GBP5 Sovereign Brilliant Uncirculated coin is accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity and is housed in a luxurious walnut-veneer presentation case.
If you need more information on the Sovereign or if you wish to purchase it, please click here.