Royal Mint
1980 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo
1980 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo
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The 1980 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo is a superb early modern proof issue from the Elizabeth II era, combining classic sovereign design with flawless top-grade presentation in a compact and highly collectible format.
Struck in 22 carat gold by The Royal Mint, the half sovereign weighs 3.99 grams and contains 3.66 grams of fine gold. Proof half sovereigns from this period were produced in limited numbers and are increasingly sought after by collectors focusing on quality and condition.
This example has been graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the highest grade achievable. PF70 confirms a flawless coin under magnification, with crisp frosted devices and deep mirrored fields, placing it among the very finest examples known for the year.
The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon design, while the obverse bears the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a portrait strongly associated with early modern proof sovereign issues.
KEY DETAILS
• Year. 1980
• Denomination. Half Sovereign
• Metal. 22 carat gold
• Weight. 3.99 grams (3.66g fine gold)
• Diameter. 19.30mm
• Finish. Proof
• Grade. PF70 Ultra Cameo
• Grading Authority. NGC
• Obverse. Queen Elizabeth II – Machin portrait
• Reverse. St George and the Dragon – Pistrucci
• Legal Tender. United Kingdom
• Capital Gains Tax. Exempt
WHY COLLECT THE 1980 PROOF HALF SOVEREIGN?
The 1980 proof half sovereign sits within a highly collected period of Elizabeth II coinage, where mintages were modest and proof standards remained exceptionally high. Examples achieving PF70 Ultra Cameo are scarce, as even the smallest imperfection prevents a coin from reaching this flawless grade.
Collectors building year-by-year proof runs, graded denomination sets or registry collections place particular value on top-graded early modern proof half sovereigns such as this.
INVESTMENT & COLLECTOR APPEAL
• Early modern Elizabeth II proof half sovereign
• Struck in solid 22ct gold
• Fully CGT exempt for UK residents
• Top population PF70 Ultra Cameo grade
• Strong demand for high-grade proof half sovereigns
• Ideal for graded and registry collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PF70 Ultra Cameo mean?
PF70 Ultra Cameo is the highest proof grade possible, confirming the coin is flawless under magnification with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Is the 1980 Proof Half Sovereign rare in PF70?
Yes. PF70 Ultra Cameo examples are significantly scarcer than lower-graded or raw proof half sovereigns.
Is this coin Capital Gains Tax exempt?
Yes. As a UK legal tender gold sovereign, it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents.
Who graded this coin?
The coin has been graded by NGC, an independent third-party grading authority.
About the portrait
Queen Elizabeth II – Arnold Machin portrait (1968–1984; sovereign proofs 1979–1984)
Overview
Arnold Machin’s second portrait introduced an elegant, crowned bust with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. It replaced Gillick for the decimal transition.
Years of use
• UK decimal coinage. 1968 to 1984.
• Sovereigns. Proof sovereigns revived in 1979 bear Machin to 1984.
Designer initials
• AM on the truncation.
Relevance to sovereign collectors
• Marks the revival of proof sovereigns in 1979 after a long hiatus.
• Popular proofs include 1979 and 1980 with sharp cameo contrast when well struck.
Notable notes
• Proofs show crisp frosting against deep fields when well preserved.
• Sets often include half and full sovereigns; condition varies due to storage.
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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
Because bullion prices are directly linked to the live precious metals markets, bullion sales are final. This is standard across the industry and protects both buyer and seller from fluctuations.
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.
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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.
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Buying New or Preowned Gold and Silver
At Sovara Coins, we offer both new and preowned gold and silver products to suit various investment strategies. Purchasing preowned bullion can be a cost-effective option, as it often comes with a lower premium over the spot price, allowing you to maximize your investment.
While preowned items may show minor signs of wear, such as scratches, milk spots or tarnishing, they are sold strictly as bullion, with their precious metal content fully guaranteed. Whether you choose new or preowned, you can be confident in the quality and authenticity of our products.
Looking to Sell Your Gold?
Looking to sell a sovereign, a sovereign set or gold proof collection?
We buy complete sets at fair market prices.