British Gold Coin Proof Sets1996 Gold Sovereign Proof SetWhen the Royal Mint started regularly to produce gold coins sets in 1980, they set an issue limit of 10,000 sets, and managed to sell every set. Since then the annual mintage figures have generally declined. 1996 saw the low mintage figure of only 742 sets issued. Millennium year 2000 for example saw the issue limit of 1,250 sets sell out quite quickly. The 1996 gold proof set features the third portrait of the Queen, as used from 1985 to 1997 inclusive on most British coins. The issue quantity was less than a seventh of the 1985 issue. The issue limit placed on the 1996 set was 1,250 and only 742 were issued. There were 5,849 of the 1985 sets issued.Type CollectingIn 1996, a special commemorative gold £2 was issued, but, unlike 1986, 1994 and 1995, this was not included in the four coin gold proof set, which reverted to using the traditional St. George and Dragon reverse design.The Four CoinsThe four gold coins we refer to are, of course, the gold sovereign and half sovereign, along with the two pound coin, often called a double sovereign, and a five pound gold coin.New PresentationIn 1990, the four coin gold proof set packaging was re-designed, and changed to a red leather box, and for the first time, a gold-plated medallion was including, with a crowned "Elizabeth R" above the date. The medallion included in the 1996 sets has a rat on the reverse to mark the Chinese lunar year of the rat.Coin Set Specifications
Notes on TableWeight = gross weight in grams.*AGW = Actual intrinsic gold weight in troy ounces. Prices & Availability
More InformationMore information about British gold sets is available on our British Gold Sets Information page.You may wish to use our order form. Postage & PackingUK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order, plus £1 per £1,000EU Insured Post £10 per order, plus £1 per £1,000 USA Airmail $10, Insured Shipping $20, plus $1 per $1,000 Canada Airmail $15, Insured Shipping via Fedex $60, plus $1 per $1,000 |
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Obverse of 1996 Gold Proof SovereignBritish Gold Sets InformationBritish 4 Coin Gold Sets For Sale
Reverse of 1996 Gold Proof Sovereign
1996 Gold Proof Set in Presentation Box |
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