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Royal Mint

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2016 Gold Proof Sovereign – James Butler Obverse Special Edition – PF70 Ultra Cameo

2016 Gold Proof Sovereign – James Butler Obverse Special Edition – PF70 Ultra Cameo

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The 2016 Gold Proof Sovereign is a unique and highly collectible issue, distinguished by its special one-off obverse portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by James Butler. This edition was created to mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, making it the only proof sovereign ever to carry this special commemorative portrait.
Struck in 22 carat gold to the finest proof standard, the coin’s reverse retains Benedetto Pistrucci’s timeless St George and the Dragon design. Certified by NGC as PF70 Ultra Cameo, this example is in flawless condition, combining perfect fields, frosted relief and superb visual appeal. Its rarity and distinctive portrait ensure this sovereign is one of the most important modern proof issues.

Coin Highlights

• Year: 2016
• Denomination: Full Sovereign
• Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
• Obverse: Special edition portrait by James Butler (unique to 2016)
• Reverse: St George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci
• Grade: PF70 Ultra Cameo (NGC)
• Metal: 22 Carat Gold (916.7 fineness)
• Weight: 7.98g
• Diameter: 22.05mm
• Finish: Proof
• Mintage: Limited edition release
• Presentation: NGC holder with certification number

Condition

Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo – flawless quality with no visible marks under magnification and perfect cameo contrast.

Why Buy This Coin?

• Only sovereign to feature James Butler’s commemorative obverse
• Issued to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday
• Perfect PF70 Ultra Cameo grade from NGC
• Classic Pistrucci reverse design in proof finish
• Highly collectible modern sovereign with low mintage

Explore more: View our full range of graded sovereigns and gold coins.

2016 G.BRITAIN 1SOV

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.

View full details

Part Exchange Your Precious Metals

Looking to upgrade or trade your precious metals for something new? We’re happy to accept gold and silver in part exchange for any item we have in stock. Simply get in touch with us to let us know what you’d like to trade, and we’ll provide you with a cost-to-change quote.

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Delivery & Returns

Delivery Information

We offer free insured delivery on all orders. Your items will be securely and discretely packaged and shipped using Royal Mail Special Delivery.

For high value orders, we may use a third-party courier.

Delivery times may vary based on your location, but we aim to dispatch all orders within 1 business day after payment is confirmed. Please note that we only deliver to the address provided at checkout and cannot ship to PO Box addresses. Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number to monitor its progress.

Returns Policy

Please note that prices for bullion products are directly linked to the live precious metals markets. As such, all bullion sales are final – we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges once an order has been placed. This policy is in accordance with the Financial Services (Distance Marketing) Regulations 2004 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, under which there is no statutory right to cancel bullion orders.

For non-bullion items (such as proof coins, graded coins or accessories), if your purchase is not as described, we’re happy to accept a return within 14 days of receipt, provided the item is returned in its original condition.

If you're unsure about a particular item, we strongly encourage you to contact us with any questions before placing your order, to help minimise unnecessary handling and ensure your satisfaction.

If we determine that the returned goods are of satisfactory quality, a return postal charge will be required to send the goods back to you.

Important Notes

Please remember that all returns must be pre-authorized by our customer service team. We recommend using a tracked and insured delivery service when returning items to us, as we cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged in transit. For further information, please review our full terms and conditions or contact us directly.

Payment & Verification Information

At Sovara Coins, we prioritise the security of your transactions. For this reason, we only accept debit card or bank transfer payments to minimise the risk of fraud. Please note that we do not accept credit card payments.

Depending on the size of your order, ID verification may be required before we can proceed with shipment. Additionally, for your security, the billing and shipping addresses must match.

These measures ensure that your purchase is handled safely and securely.

Have a Question Before Ordering?

If you have any questions about our products or need assistance before placing your order, we're here to help. Whether you're looking for more details on a specific item or need advice on your purchase, feel free to contact our friendly customer service team. We'll be happy to provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

Precious Metal Price Fluctuations

Please note that the prices of precious metals, such as gold and silver, are subject to fluctuations due to market conditions. As a result, the price of our bullion products can change frequently.

When you place an order, the price is locked in at the time of purchase, ensuring you pay the agreed amount regardless of any subsequent market movements.

We recommend acting quickly if you see a price that suits your investment strategy, as prices can vary significantly in a short period.

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.