Description
The 1980 Gold Proof Sovereign presents a classic pairing of royal portraiture and historic design, struck to The Royal Mint’s proof standard. This example has been authenticated and encapsulated by PCGS with the grade PR70, the highest numerical grade on the Sheldon scale.
The obverse features Arnold Machin’s second definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, depicting the Queen facing right and wearing a tiara. Its balanced composition gives this issue the distinctive appearance associated with Sovereigns of the Machin portrait era, before Raphael Maklouf’s effigy was introduced in 1985.
The reverse carries Benedetto Pistrucci’s celebrated depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon, with the date positioned beneath the scene. First introduced on the modern Sovereign in 1817, the design links this twentieth-century issue to the denomination’s revival under George III. The proof finish brings the detail of the horse, rider and dragon into focus against polished fields.
Struck in 22 carat gold and containing 0.2354 troy ounces of fine gold, the 1980 Proof Sovereign maintains the traditional specification of the modern Sovereign. Combining Machin’s portrait with Pistrucci’s enduring reverse, this PCGS PR70 example offers collectors the familiar design in the highest numerical grade.
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