1989 Gold Five Pound Crowns500th Anniversary of the SovereignThe obverse and reverse designs of the five pound gold coin, as well as that on the sovereign, half sovereign, and two pound gold coin were special for 1989. This was to celebrate the five hundredth anniversary of the first gold sovereign in 1489. Half millennium anniversaries are quite rare, so it was quite appropriate to have special designs for this year. As you can see from our photographs, 1989 five pounds did not use the by now traditional St. George and Dragon reverse design. Instead to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign for Henry VII in 1489, the designs chosen for both sides of the 1989 gold coins reflected the designs originally used five centuries ago. Very few coins or currencies can boast such lengthy service.The original sovereigns were intended to be used as a symbol of Britain's importance and wealth, to impress the rest of Europe. although five pound were not introduced until 1668. No St. George and dragon sovereigns, halves, two pounds or five pounds were issued in 1989. ObverseThe obverse, or head side, shows the Queen seated facing on a throne. The majestic appearance of this design, combined with the large size, weight and purity of the original sovereigns, is the reason the new gold coin came to be called a sovereign in the first place.ReverseThe reverse design also mirrors its 500 year old original counterpart, bearing the Royal Arms surmounted on a crowned double Tudor rose.DesignerBoth sides of the coin were designed by the sculptor Bernard Sindall.Proofs & Uncirculated VersionsAlthough 1989 sovereigns were only available as proofs, the five pound coins were issued in both versions. Because of the different designs this year, all the 1989 sovereigns, halves and multiples are in demand for type collectors, and we do not always have any in stock.Price & Availability
Notes* = Only available as part of 1989 four-coin proof sets. Please check our Standard Terms for Bullion Coins.Please check our Standard Terms for Bullion Coins. You may wish to use our order form. Postage & PackingUK: At Buyer's Risk £3.50 per orderUK: Fully Insured £9 per order EU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail at Buyer's Risk $10 US, or... USA Insured Shipping $20 US Canada Airmail at Buyer's Risk $15 Can, or... Canada Insured Shipping $30 Can |
 |
 Obverse of the 1989 Proof £5 Gold Coin
Reverse of the 1989 Proof £5 Gold Coin
|
