The Royal Mint have launched (19th October) their latest coin which has been specially crafted to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The 2012 Gold Sovereign coins will carry a brand new reverse design for one year only to celebrate the occasion.
The reverse of the Sovereign gold coins usually carries the imposing and classical depiction of St. George slaying the dragon sculpted by celebrated artist Benedetto Pistrucci, chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1817 to 1849. The fresh rendition of St. George for the 2012 collection is by British sculptor Paul Day whose design for the Royal Mint shows a ferocious dragon being fought by a knight in Gothic armor. The obverse design includes the present portrait of the Queen sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Paul Day explained his reverse design, which was approved by Her Majesty the Queen, “I have always been attracted to detail which requires a closer look to be unpicked and fully understood. I have deliberately left very little empty space. This is to make the reverse as engaging as possible and in complete contrast to the obverse.”
The new design commissioned for the Diamond Jubilee year will feature on the ¼, ½, one sovereign, the double sovereign and five pound gold coin. These coins are offered by the Royal Mint in various combinations of single coins, three and five coin sets. The gold coin strikes are in proof quality and minted in .917 (22 ct) fine gold.
For more information on these and other coins already on offer for the Jubilee year celebrations, please visit the website of the Royal Mint at: http://www.royalmint.com/store/catalogue/collectable/sovereigntheme.aspx
Does 2012 Gold Sovereign come in 1/2, 1, 2, and 5 Sovereign Gold Coins? And does come in Proof and Uncircurated Coins?