

1987 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo
Free discreet RMSD Delivery
Verify online at NGCcoin.uk
CGT & VAT exempt for UK residents
14-day return policy
The 1987 Gold Proof Half Sovereign is an early Maklouf portrait era issue from The Royal Mint’s modern proof sovereign programme. Struck in 22 carat gold and graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this example represents the highest possible grading classification, confirming flawless surfaces, razor-sharp strike detail and deep mirrored fields.
Issued during the early years of the Raphael Maklouf effigy (introduced in 1985), the 1987 proof half sovereign forms part of a key transitional period in modern sovereign collecting. PF70 Ultra Cameo examples from the 1980s are increasingly difficult to source as many original proofs have either remained ungraded or failed to achieve the top grade.
Coin Specifications
Year. 1987
Monarch. Queen Elizabeth II
Denomination. Half Sovereign (£0.50)
Metal. 22 Carat Gold (91.67%)
Weight. 3.99g
Gold Content. 3.66g (0.1177 troy oz)
Diameter. 19.30mm
Finish. Proof
Reverse Design. St George and the Dragon – Benedetto Pistrucci
Obverse Portrait. Raphael Maklouf
Grade. PF70 Ultra Cameo
Grading Company. NGC
Why Buy the 1987 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70
• Perfect PF70 Ultra Cameo example
• Early Maklouf portrait era issue
• Classic Pistrucci St George reverse
• Scarcer in top grade from the 1980s
• UK legal tender and Capital Gains Tax exempt
Design Detail
The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon, a design that has defined the sovereign since 1817. In proof format, the depth of strike and cameo contrast are particularly pronounced, especially in flawless PF70 Ultra Cameo condition.
The obverse carries the Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, used between 1985 and 1997. Early Maklouf-era sovereigns remain an important part of any complete Elizabeth II proof sovereign collection.
Collectability and Investment Appeal
Proof sovereigns from the 1980s are becoming increasingly desirable in top grade, particularly as collectors pursue complete portrait runs in PF70 Ultra Cameo condition. Survival rates at the highest grade are considerably lower than original mintages.
The 1987 Gold Proof Half Sovereign PF70 offers both intrinsic gold value and elite graded status, making it a strong addition to a high-grade modern sovereign collection.
Condition: Graded PF70 Cameo by NGC – flawless under 5x magnification
Presentation: Slabbed and authenticated in a secure NGC holder
Explore more: Browse our full range of graded gold sovereigns
Choose options
Have a question before ordering?
Get in Touch
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. If you have existing graded sovereigns you'd like to trade towards a purchase, contact us for a bespoke cost-to-change valuation.