2003 Gold Proof Double Sovereign (Two pounds / 2Sov) NGC Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo

Mintage: 3787

15.97 grams of 22 Carat Gold.

Variety: Proof

There are several denominations of the Sovereign: Five Sovereigns (Quintuple Sovereign, five pounds gold), Double Sovereign, Full Sovereign, Half Sovereign and Quarter Sovereign; the current double sovereign - with face value of £2 is a continuation of the pre-decimal double sovereign, and has been issued as a decimal coin since 1974.

The designs of all denominations are identical, as - according to tradition - this type of coin has never had its value and denomination spelled out anywhere on the coin. The various denominations are only distinguished by size and weight, these being exactly in proportion to their face value. Since 1817, the composition has always been 22 carat (91.7%) gold.

Proof FDC only this year. Issued only in sets, not individually.

The obverse of the coins shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits.

In small letters below the head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRA REGINA · FID · DEF. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

The reverse depicts, within a beaded border, an illustration of the legend of St George as the slayer of the dragon.

St George is on horseback, advancing to right, wearing a helmet and chlamys (cape, or cloak) fastened in front by a fibula, and holding a sword. His left hand clutches the rein of the horse's bridle, and he does not wear armour, other than on his lower legs and feet, with his toes bare. The saint's horse appears to be half attacking, half shrinking from the dragon, which lies wounded by George's spear and in the throes of death. The point of a spear is broken off in the dragon’s side; the shaft lays on the ground behind the horse.

In exergue, the date: 2003.

Below the exergue line at right are the artist's initials B.P. (for Benedetto Pistrucci).

Rest assured all photographs are of the actual coin you will receive.

All postage including overseas shipping is fully tracked and insured.

All gold products to U.K. will be posted Royal Mail Fully Insured next day Special Delivery.

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