Description
The 2002 Gold Proof Five Sovereign celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking 50 years since her accession to the throne in 1952. This anniversary issue features a special heraldic reverse in place of the traditional Saint George and the dragon. This example has been authenticated and encapsulated by NGC with the grade PF70, the highest numerical grade on the Sheldon scale.
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Depicting the Queen wearing a tiara, the effigy presents a mature likeness of the monarch at a significant milestone in her reign. The substantial dimensions of the Five Sovereign allow the portrait and its surrounding inscription to be appreciated in greater detail.
The reverse features Timothy Noad’s interpretation of the crowned shield of the Royal Arms, framed by a wreath. Drawing inspiration from the shield Sovereigns of Queen Victoria’s reign, the design creates a historical connection between two Golden Jubilees. The shield reverse had been withdrawn from the Sovereign in Victoria’s Jubilee year of 1887; its revival in a new form in 2002 offered a fitting tribute to Elizabeth II’s own anniversary.
Struck in 22 carat gold with a proof finish, the Five Sovereign provides a broad canvas for Noad’s intricate heraldic design. Combining a special anniversary reverse with NGC PF70 certification, this example represents a distinctive chapter in the modern Sovereign series.
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