The 1998 Gold Proof Sovereign with Certificate of Authenticity Number 4125 - 0.235 Troy Ounces of 22 Carat Gold
The 1998 Gold Proof Sovereign with Certificate of Authenticity Number 4125
The 1998 proof sovereign features the fourth definitive UK coin portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley. This is the first year this portrait features on the sovereign.
Proofs are specially struck coins, with a highly polished mirror finished background, and the raised design in contrasting matt finish. They are issued as limited editions, and are more expensive than the ordinary uncirculated version.
1998 proof sovereigns are contained in a plastic capsule within a Royal Mint leather covered box.
They are unnecessarily good for use in jewellery, which would ruin their special finish in a very short space of time, but they are ideal for the person who would prefer to keep them as a memento or family heirloom.
Obverse
In 1998 a new effigy was introduced; the fourth definitive UK coin portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley. This portrait features on the obverse together with the legend ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRA REGINA·FID·DEF. The 1998 sovereign was only struck in a proof finish; no uncirculated sovereigns were issued in 1998.
Reverse
The reverse features an engraving of St George attacking a dragon which was created by Benedetto Pistrucci.
Specification
| Metal | Gold |
| Weight / Size | Full |
| Gold Weight Troy Ounces | 0.235 |
| Fineness / Carat | 0.917 / 22 |
| Date | 1998 |
| Obverse Designer | Ian Rank-Broadley |
| Reverse Designer | Benedetto Pistrucci |
| Issuing Monarch | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Mint / Brand | The Royal Mint |
| Country | United Kingdom |