Great Britain, Elizabeth II, Gold, 40.16 g, Sovereign Proof, 1989, Royal Mint (London). The obverse 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. The reverse design also mirrors its 500 year old original counterpart, bearing the Royal Arms surmounted on a crowned double Tudor rose. The coin was designed by the sculptor Bernard Sindall. The 1989 Sovereign was only minted as a Proof. The mintage was restricted to 10,535 coins only. Proof, Very Rare.
1989 sovereigns did not use the by now traditional St. George & Dragon designs. 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 5 centuries ago. Very few coins or currencies can boast such lengthy service of over 500 years!