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The Great Britain Proof Set 1989 is one of the most visually striking and historically meaningful proof sets ever issued by the Royal Mint, capturing a moment of profound national and numismatic significance. Released to mark the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign of 1489—commissioned by King Henry VII—the 1989 set includes not only the standard circulating coinage of the era but also a special commemorative gold £5 and £2 coin issued in proof form. These special coins pay tribute to the origin of the sovereign and feature highly symbolic and innovative designs exclusive to that anniversary year. As a result, the 1989 proof set has become a key collectible for enthusiasts of British coinage and royal history alike.
Central to the 1989 proof set’s appeal is its inclusion of the specially designed gold £5 and £2 coins, both of which depart from traditional motifs in favor of bold historical symbolism. The obverse of these coins features a seated effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, inspired by the enthroned monarchs of medieval coinage. Designed by Bernard Sindall, this portrayal shows Her Majesty seated full-length on King Edward’s Chair, holding the orb and scepter of state. This was the first time since 1839 that a non-profile portrait of the monarch had appeared on a British coin. It was a daring and reverent homage to the original 1489 sovereign and reinforced the constitutional continuity of the Crown over five centuries.
The reverse of both the gold £5 and £2 coins in the 1989 set features the Royal Arms as they appeared during the reign of Henry VII, surmounted by a Tudor rose. This intricate design, created by calligrapher and heraldic artist Timothy Noad, is rich in historical symbolism. The crowned shield reflects the union of the houses of York and Lancaster following the Wars of the Roses, while the Tudor rose itself is emblematic of that dynastic unity. The heraldic precision and artistry in these designs made them instant classics among collectors and ensured the 1989 commemorative coins would stand apart as landmark issues in the Royal Mint's modern repertoire.
The standard coins included in the 1989 Great Britain Proof Set are the 1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, and £1 coins, all struck to the highest proof quality. Each coin bears the third definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, introduced in 1985. This sculptural portrait captures the Queen in her 50s, wearing the George IV State Diadem, and exudes a sense of dignity and elegance. The Maklouf effigy remained in use until 1997 and is prized for its regal and classical style. In the 1989 set, these coins are paired with traditional reverse designs familiar to collectors of British decimal coinage, each executed in extraordinary detail due to the precision of proof striking.
The £1 coin included in the 1989 set features the Welsh dragon design by artist and engraver Norman Sillman, representing Wales in the ongoing series of £1 coins that highlighted the national symbols of the United Kingdom. The dragon of Cadwaladr, long associated with Welsh heritage and mythology, is portrayed in full heraldic splendor. This design remained in use for only a limited time, further increasing the appeal of the 1989 set for collectors who appreciate national themes. Like the other coins in the set, the £1 piece exhibits sharp relief, frosted devices, and brilliant mirrored fields typical of proof-quality production from the Royal Mint.
The Royal Mint’s standard of excellence in 1989 continued to uphold its global reputation for quality and innovation. Each proof coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared dies and blanks to produce flawless surfaces, deep mirror fields, and frosted raised designs. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the 1989 proof coins are visual and tactile works of art. The set was housed in a high-quality maroon leatherette presentation case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and an informative booklet explaining the historical significance of the designs. The overall presentation was intended to reflect the royal and commemorative importance of the 500th anniversary of the sovereign.
The mintage of the 1989 Great Britain Proof Set was strictly limited, particularly for sets that included the gold coins. The two-coin gold proof sovereign set—containing the £5 and £2 coins—was issued in very limited numbers, with just 7,500 sets struck worldwide, making it one of the rarest and most coveted of all modern British proof issues. The full deluxe proof set containing the circulating coinage, without the gold commemoratives, was produced in higher but still limited quantities, ensuring enduring demand and strong market appreciation. Sets in original, pristine condition with complete packaging and documentation continue to fetch a premium among collectors due to their rarity and historical significance.
In terms of condition, the 1989 Great Britain Proof Set typically appears in excellent quality when preserved correctly. Coins housed within the original Royal Mint presentation case generally retain their full mirrored fields and sharp frost on the designs, with minimal to no signs of toning or haze. The gold coins, when included, often remain brilliant with rich golden luster and no evidence of handling or marks. Careful storage—away from heat, moisture, and direct light—is essential to maintain the pristine condition of the proof surfaces. Third-party grading services like NGC and PCGS have certified many of the 1989 gold proofs as PF69 or PF70, reflecting their exceptional quality and preservation when properly cared for.
The 1989 proof set stands as a profound historical statement. Not only does it commemorate a half-millennium of British monetary heritage through the original sovereign of Henry VII, but it also bridges the medieval and modern worlds through its artistic expression. The use of medieval styling in the obverse design, combined with the Tudor Royal Arms and contemporary craftsmanship, creates a seamless narrative of monarchical and numismatic continuity. It offers collectors and historians alike a unique opportunity to hold a piece of that enduring story, artfully captured in precious metal and perfectly executed in proof condition.
The Great Britain Proof Set 1989 remains one of the most revered and valuable modern British proof sets, admired for its unparalleled combination of rarity, beauty, and historical resonance. Whether as a centerpiece in a collection focused on royal commemoratives, a tribute to sovereign coinage, or as a celebration of British design excellence, this set occupies a special place in the world of numismatics. Its dual focus—on both the ceremonial splendor of monarchy and the artistic achievements of the Royal Mint—ensures its ongoing status as a timeless treasure in the eyes of collectors around the globe.