Description
Commemorative Gold Sovereigns: Honoring the Legacy of British Monarchy
King Charles III Coronation Proof Gold Sovereign (2023)
On May 6th, 2023, history was made as King Charles III became the first British monarch to be crowned in the 21st century. This momentous event, the first coronation since Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, is a milestone that will be remembered for generations. In a world vastly different from the one known by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the traditions of ceremony and celebration endure, reflecting the enduring spirit of the British monarchy. As people look back on this historic day, they will inevitably ask, “Where were you when the King was crowned?”
To commemorate this grand occasion, the Royal Mint has produced an exceptional Proof Gold Sovereign celebrating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. This limited edition coin features:
- Obverse: The official crowned portrait of King Charles III, skillfully designed by Martin Jennings, capturing the essence of the coronation ceremony.
- Reverse: The iconic image of St. George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci, a design that first appeared on sovereigns in 1817.
Only 15,000 of these exquisite coins were minted, making them a truly rare collector’s item. Each coin is graded by NGC as PF69, ensuring its quality as a lasting memento of this historic event.
Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign (1957)
Following the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the first gold sovereigns bearing her image were not struck until 1957, due to the lingering effects of post-war austerity. The 1957 gold sovereign is particularly significant, as it features:
- Obverse: The youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick, which appeared on her coinage from 1953 until 1970. This portrait, inspired by the first coinage portrait of Queen Victoria, is the only one of Queen Elizabeth’s portraits to show her without a diadem or crown.
- Reverse: The classic depiction of St. George slaying the dragon, created by Benedetto Pistrucci, a design that has remained on British gold sovereigns since 1817.
This 1957 gold sovereign is unique in that it was only issued for one year and features a finely milled edge with 168 grains (ridges), unlike other issues of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, which have 108 grains. This, combined with its status as the first gold sovereign of Queen Elizabeth II, makes it an essential piece for collectors.
No proofs were struck in 1957, making the bullion strike the highest quality available. These coins have also been graded by NGC, ensuring their authenticity and quality.
Why These Coins Matter
Both the 2023 King Charles III Coronation Proof Gold Sovereign and the 1957 Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign are more than just coins; they are pieces of history. Owning these coins is not just about having a piece of gold; it’s about holding a symbol of continuity, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.
