Royal Mint
1978 Gold Sovereign – Elizabeth II Decimal Portrait – PCGS MS64
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- Free, discreet insured delivery by Royal Mail Special Delivery
- Certification verifiable online with NGC or PCGS
- CGT and VAT exempt for UK residents
- 14-day return policy
Questions about this coin? Call or message 07340 710102
About this coin
This 1978 Gold Sovereign features the second definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin and known as the "decimal head" — the first coinage portrait issued following the UK's move to decimal currency. The reverse carries Benedetto Pistrucci's enduring Saint George and the Dragon design, with the sculptor's "B.P." initials below the ground line.
Graded PCGS MS64, this coin sits comfortably above typical circulated or lightly handled bullion-strike Sovereigns, with strong lustre and only minor, well-scattered marks consistent with the grade. As with all bullion-era Sovereigns of this period, no proof versions were struck in 1978 — this coin was issued for circulation and bullion demand only, making a well-preserved MS64 example a solid step up in quality over the typical coin of this date.
Coin Highlights
- Graded PCGS MS64 — a strong, well-preserved grade for a bullion-era Sovereign
- Obverse: Arnold Machin's "decimal head" second portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
- Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci's Saint George and the Dragon, with "B.P." initials
- Struck in 22 carat gold by The Royal Mint
- Encapsulated in a tamper-evident PCGS holder for authenticity and protection
Specifications
| Year | 1978 |
| Mint | The Royal Mint, Llantrisant |
| Composition | 22 carat gold (91.67% fine) |
| Weight | 7.98 grams |
| Diameter | 22.05 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Arnold Machin (second portrait) |
| Reverse Designer | Benedetto Pistrucci |
| Grading | PCGS MS64 |
Why This Coin Stands Out
The 1978 Sovereign is a well-known key date for collectors building an Elizabeth II decimal-portrait year set, and its high mintage makes it an accessible way to add a classic Machin-portrait Sovereign to a collection. A PCGS MS64 grade takes it a step further, offering meaningfully better eye appeal and preservation than a typical raw or lower-grade example — a worthwhile upgrade for collectors who want quality alongside history.
As UK legal tender gold, this coin is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents and free from VAT under current investment gold rules.
Have a question?
Speak toa specialist.
Ask about grade, population or anything else before you buy. Call or message or send us your question below.
07340 710102Need help?
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer a discount for paying by bank transfer?
Yes. Pay by bank transfer and you'll save 2% on orders of £250 or more.
- Add your coin to the basket and check out as normal.
- At the payment step, choose Bank transfer.
- We'll email you an invoice with your 2% saving already deducted, along with our bank details.
- Pay the invoice amount, using your order number as the reference.
- Once your payment reaches us, your coin is dispatched free and fully insured by Royal Mail Special Delivery.
Every coin page shows its bank transfer price just under the main price, so you'll know the exact amount before you order. Questions? Call or message us on 07340 710102.
Delivery & returns
Delivery Information
We offer free insured delivery across the UK on all orders. Every coin is carefully inspected, securely packaged, and sent using Royal Mail Special Delivery - a fully tracked, next-day service that requires a signature on receipt.
All parcels are shipped discreetly and fully insured for peace of mind.
We currently do not ship internationally. Orders can only be delivered to the UK address provided at checkout, and we’re unable to send to PO Box addresses.
We aim to dispatch all orders within one business day of receiving cleared payment. Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive tracking details so you can monitor its progress.
Returns Policy
For non-bullion items (such as proof coins, graded coins or accessories), we’re happy to accept returns within 14 days of receipt if you feel your coin is not as described and provided the item is returned in its original condition, please contact us and we’ll be glad to help.
If an item is returned for reasons other than being not as described, return postage will be the responsibility of the buyer.
Important Notes
- All returns must be pre-authorised by our customer service team.
- Please use a tracked and insured service when sending items back to us, as we cannot accept liability for goods lost or damaged in transit.
- For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions or contact us directly with any questions.
Payment & verification information
At Sovara Coins, your security is our priority. To protect both our customers and ourselves from fraud, we currently accept debit card and bank transfer payments only.
- Debit card payments are processed securely through our trusted payment provider, giving you instant confirmation at checkout.
- Bank transfer payments are also welcome and full instructions will be provided during the checkout process.
Please note that we do not accept credit cards. This policy helps us keep prices competitive and ensures all transactions remain low-risk and fully traceable.
For your protection:
- Billing and shipping addresses must match.
- On higher-value orders, we may request ID verification before dispatch. This is a quick process and helps keep your purchase safe.
Every payment method we accept is fully secure, encrypted and protected. Once payment is confirmed, your order will be prepared for dispatch within one business day.
Can I verify the coin's grade?
Yes. Every NGC-certified coin has a unique certification number visible on the slab label. You can verify the grade, coin details and population data at NGCcoin.uk using the cert number shown.
What is the population or top pop figure?
The NGC census records how many examples of each coin have been graded at each level. A Top Pop coin means no other example has achieved a higher grade — making it the finest certified specimen in existence for that issue.
Do you offer part exchange?
Yes. We accept all proof coins and graded coins in part exchange, including NGC and PCGS certified coins, boxed gold and silver proofs, and proof sets.
Tell us what you'd like to trade and which coin you have your eye on, and we'll give you a bespoke cost-to-change valuation.
The Seventy Select
Graded 70.Nothing less.
Every coin here is graded PF70 Ultra Cameo or MS70, the highest grade NGC and PCGS award.
-
1979 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Sovereign – NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
£3,190
-
1989 Elizabeth II 500th Anniversary Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
£2,380
-
1992 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Double Sovereign NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
£2,190
-
1992 Gold Proof Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo
£1,260
-
1995 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo
£690
-
1995 Tenth-Ounce Gold Proof Britannia | NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo (Only 14 Graded)
£490
-
1996 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Double Sovereign NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
£2,290
-
1996 Elizabeth II Gold Proof Sovereign NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo
£1,290
- 215 coins in the collection View the collection