Royal Mint
2016 Gold Proof Five Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo – James Butler Obverse
2016 Gold Proof Five Sovereign PF70 Ultra Cameo – James Butler Obverse
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The 2016 Gold Proof Five Sovereign is a significant and highly sought-after issue in modern sovereign history. Issued to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, this year’s release features a one-off obverse portrait by renowned sculptor James Butler, making it one of the most distinctive and collectable designs in the sovereign series.
This example has been professionally graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the highest possible grade, confirming a flawless strike with strong contrast and pristine surfaces. Only a small fraction of coins achieve this top-tier designation, placing this piece firmly in the realm of elite collector coins.
The reverse bears Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon, a design synonymous with the sovereign since the early 19th century. Struck in 22 carat gold and weighing nearly 40 grams, the five sovereign (or quintuple sovereign) is the largest denomination in the modern sovereign series.
With its unique obverse, low mintage and perfect grade, the 2016 £5 sovereign is widely regarded as one of the most desirable Royal Mint releases of the decade.
Coin Specifications:
• Year. 2016
• Monarch. Queen Elizabeth II
• Denomination. Five Sovereign / £5
• Metal. 22 Carat Gold (91.67%)
• Weight. 39.94g
• Diameter. 36.02mm
• Obverse. Queen Elizabeth II by James Butler
• Reverse. St George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci
• Finish. Proof
• Grade. PF70 Ultra Cameo – NGC Certified
• Edge. Milled
• Presentation. NGC holder with certification number
Key Features:
• One-year-only obverse design by James Butler
• Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC – flawless condition
• Struck in 22ct gold to proof standard
• Features the iconic St George and the Dragon reverse
• One of the rarest and most desirable £5 proof sovereigns of the modern era
• Includes secure, tracked UK delivery
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
About the portrait
Queen Elizabeth II – James Butler portrait (2016 proof sovereigns and select commemoratives)
Overview
In 2016, to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, the Royal Mint introduced a special one-year-only obverse by sculptor James Butler RA. This portrait depicts the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and is more formal and stately than the circulating Jody Clark effigy of the same year.
Years of use
• 2016 only.
• Featured exclusively on the proof sovereign range (from quintuple to quarter sovereign) and select commemorative issues such as the £5 gold coin.
• Bullion sovereigns of 2016 retained the standard Jody Clark portrait.
Designer initials
• JB on the truncation.
Relevance to sovereign collectors
• A key one-year type for proof sovereign collectors.
• Only proof strikes carry this portrait, making it immediately distinguishable from bullion issues.
• Paired with Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic St George and the Dragon reverse.
Notable notes
• Highly collectable as a “type coin” within modern proof sovereign runs.
• The only time the Royal Mint used Butler’s effigy on a UK sovereign.
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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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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.