1986 Great Britain UK 3-Coin Gold Proof Set (w/Box & COA)

1986 Great Britain UK 3-Coin Gold Proof Set (w/Box & COA)

The United Kingdom’s legal tender gold proof coins for 1986 are comprised of the two pounds, sovereign, and half-sovereign, which are struck in 22 carat gold proof quality by the Royal Mint's craftsmen.

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 cold coins. Following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, the famous guinea was introduced, together with the half-guineas, two guineas and five guineas. Later, 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 two pound piece, but like the two-guineas it did not prove popular and was last struck for circulation in 1902. Proof pieces, however, have continued to be made on occasion.

The 1986 set is of special interest to collectors of United Kingdom gold coins as it includes a change of design. Since 1893 the Pistrucci design has appeared on the reverse of all United Kingdom gold coins, but this year the reverse of the two pounds bears a new design showing a Scottish thistle and a laurel wreath, superimposed on St. Andrew’s cross. The design created by Norman Sillman commemorated the XIII Commonwealth Games which took place in Scotland in 1986. This was the first time that a legal tender commemorative coin has ever been issued in the United Kingdom to mark a sporting occasion.

The reverse designs of the sovereign and half-sovereign remains unchanged and continue to show the classic portrayal of St. George slaying the dragon created by former Royal Mint engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. The design first appeared on the sovereign of 1817 and is one of the oldest numismatic designs still in regular use. The obverse depicts the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by sculptor Raphael Maklouf which was authorized for use on United Kingdom coin from 1985.

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.