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1985 2 oz Great Britain 4-Coin Gold Proof Set (w/Box & COA)
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1985 Great Britain UK 4-Coin Gold Proof Set (w/Box & COA)
This beautiful proof coin set contains 2 oz of pure gold and is a valuable addition to your collection.
The United Kingdom's legal tender gold coins for 1985 comprise the five-pounds, two pounds, sovereign and half-sovereign painstakingly struck in proof quality by Royal Mint craftsmen in 22 carat gold.
The first sovereign was struck during the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509). Henry VII took a special interest in the coinage, and because the obverse of the new coin depicted the King enthroned in regal splendor, it was known as a sovereign. It continued to be struck until shortly after the accession of James I in 1603, when it was replaced by other gold coins and eventually in 1663 by the famous golden guinea.
In 1817, as part of a wide-ranging reform of the coinage, the sovereign and its accompanying half-sovereign were re-introduced by George III. Provision was also made for five and two pound pieces, but these have never circulated freely. They have usually been struck only for inclusion in sets of coins issued following the accession of a new monarch, or when there has been a general change in the design of the coinage.
The 1985 set is of special interest to collectors of United Kingdom gold coins because they all bear on the obverse the new effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf. Inscribed within the border of the coin are the words and letters "ELIZABETH II," "DEI," "GRA," "REG", "F" "D" . The letters F and D stand for the Latin words "fidei defensor," which translates to "Defender of the Faith" in English.
The reverse side of the British Sovereign coin features St.George slaying the Dragon, one of the most iconic images on British coinage. This design has been used on British coinage for more than 150 years, and is one of the oldest numismatic designs still in regular use. This depiction was created by Benedetto Pistrucci's, and his initials, "BF," are found in the lower right of the bullion coin. Along with his initials is the year (1985) at the bottom of the coin.
The proof coins in this collection have been struck to the highest standards, using polished dies and specially selected blanks. Their appearance has been further enhanced by the attractive frosted finish of the designs.
Like all of our other gold coin sets, this one is guaranteed to be 100% authentic. Item will be wrapped and packaged safe for delivery.