Quick question: I was looking on Ebay for a gold half sovereign of Queen Elizabeth (the second) that has her first effigy on it. Did they not make them? Or are they rare?
Here's a full sovereign, I think they're scarce. I don't know if they're rare, they might be as I think they were only minted in specific years. I think the years are 1958 until 1967 and that's it! That said, not sure if I'm right! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Great-Brit...120107?hash=item1a994d276b:g:uFMAAOSwooxe0P24
You may wish to use this resource: https://www.bullionbypost.co.uk/info/sovereign-mintages No half sovereigns minted with the Gillick young Elizabeth portrait. First half sovereigns of her reign were the Decimal portrait like the 1983 one I linked above.
Oh, perfect! Thank you. I thought I was going crazy. They do not actually exist. I wonder why? I’ll check out your link. Edit: OK, wow. Great article! I’m drawn to the half sovereigns because they look the same but they’re smaller and cheaper. But I can tell there might be some obstacles associated with collecting them. Still it gives me ideas about some special ones to look out for. Thank you very much.
They are also not as widely collected as full sovereigns, so be sure to consider that when its time to sell. There is of course the proof 1953, R6/7, half sovereigns that were minted in a four piece denomination prestitation set - 3 known.
Actually they don't look the same. Many of the half sovereigns in the early years (1817 through to many years of Victorian half sovereigns) had a different shield reverse. Several of them are very/extremely rare and near impossible to get hold of. Others, although scarce and very collectible are much cheaper than the larger full-sovereign sibling. Personally, I'm starting to concentrate more on the 2 and 5 pounds because they are issued in smaller numbers and in the long run, they hold their value better and appreciate much more than the smaller issues.
Interesting. Good info. I like smaller gold just in case we ever get into the SHTF scenario. Don't want to have to ask farmers, "hey, can you break a gold double eagle?"
I don't think you'll have to worry about that Sold this 5 pound coin within 6 months of buying the set for the price I paid for the full set. Kept the PF70s
Gorgeous! I was considering the purchase of one of those special year half sovereigns myself. But I’m also doing the box of 20 concept, so my purchases are measured. Still, that really tempts me! Those are beautiful.
If the SHTF, no one cares about your gold. They care about food and water and other necessities. Gold has absolutely no utility for a doomsday scenario. And, I don’t know why a farmer would care about your gold. Lol I guess you must take SHTF to mean financial markets melt down and out of control inflation.
Here is my QE II, young laureate head (first bust) sovereign. Top pop across all grading companies to date (I think):
Very nice - I haven't ventured into QEII, but maybe one day I'll pick up the five portraits (wonder if there will be a sixth).
@stevereecy and @Zonker this a 450th Anniversary issue (2008) with both the Elizabeths and quite a popular quintuple sovereign which you might like Tough one to find
