1989 Gold Proof Half Sovereign | 500th Anniversary | NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo
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1989 Gold Proof Half Sovereign – 500th Anniversary – NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo
The 1989 Gold Proof Half Sovereign carries a complete one-year-only design by sculptor Bernard Sindall, struck to mark 500 years since the very first gold Sovereign was issued for Henry VII in 1489. It's one of only four denominations to ever carry this design, and represents a rare departure from Benedetto Pistrucci's Saint George and the Dragon, set aside for the only time in over a century.
The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II enthroned in majesty, crowned and robed, holding the orb and sceptre — a direct echo of Henry VII's original 1489 design, and the only time a British monarch has appeared seated, full-length, on a coinage portrait. The reverse features a crowned shield of the Royal Arms set upon a double Tudor rose, surrounded by the legend "ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD SOVEREIGN 1489–1989" — notably the first and only time the word "Sovereign" has ever appeared as an inscription on the coin itself.
Graded NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo, this coin carries the same landmark Tudor-inspired design as our top-graded PF70 example, at a more accessible price point — an excellent entry point into one of the most historically important modern Sovereign designs.
Coin Highlights
- One-year-only design by Bernard Sindall, marking 500 years since the first gold Sovereign of 1489
- The only modern Half Sovereign to depart from Pistrucci's Saint George and the Dragon
- Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II enthroned in majesty, holding orb and sceptre
- Reverse: crowned Royal Arms shield upon a double Tudor rose, with the word "Sovereign" appearing in the inscription for the only time in history
- Struck in 22 carat gold to proof finish by The Royal Mint
- Graded NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo — an excellent, more accessible grade below our PF70 listing
- Encapsulated in a tamper-evident NGC holder for authenticity and protection
Specifications
| Year | 1989 |
| Mint | The Royal Mint, Llantrisant |
| Composition | 22 carat gold (91.67% fine) |
| Weight | 3.994 grams |
| Fine Gold Content | 0.1175 troy oz (3.66 grams) |
| Diameter | 19.30 mm |
| Finish | Proof |
| Obverse Designer | Bernard Sindall (enthroned portrait) |
| Reverse Designer | Bernard Sindall (Royal Arms and Tudor rose) |
| Grading | NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo |
Why This Coin Stands Out
The 1989 Sovereign series is widely regarded as one of the most important releases in the entire modern Sovereign story — collectors and investors treat it as a must-have design on a par with historic 19th-century rarities like the Una and the Lion. A PF69 grade delivers the exact same landmark design and proof craftsmanship as a top-graded example, at the smallest, most accessible denomination in the range.
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. Browse our full range of graded gold Sovereigns to compare grades and find the right piece for your collection.
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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.
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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.
For your protection:
- Billing and shipping addresses must match.
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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.