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Message:: [QUOTE="Clinker, post: 204788, member: 6229"]What's new w/2007 English Gold Sovereigns? The first page of the certificate accompanying the New 2007 Sovereigns talks about the neo-classical or Regency style of the reverse and how Pistrucci was a leading exponent in this when he was designing at the Royal Mint! Without explanation the following page illustrates the "Re-mastered die for the reverse of the 2007 Sovereign showing the enhanced detail."Following a biography of Pistrucci, the origin of the 1817 Sovereign is then discussed. The final page further explains in detail how they are "Recapturing Pistrucci's Original Masterpiece."  What follows is a quote from the Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, Matthew Bonacorsi: "Working in plaster, or on the computer, cannot wholly capture the style of a hand engraved piece. In order to match the look and feel of the original sovereign, therefore, the final work had to be undertaken using the traditional methods" It continues, "For the 2007 Sovereign the Royal Mint is using the latest technology, coupled with traditional engraving skills, to recapture the fineness of Pistrucci's early St. George and the dragon from the period of the Neo-Classical revival during the 19th century.  An original hand-engraved design, modified by Pistrucci himself for the Crown Piece of 1818, was scanned into the computer and a large- scale copy was cut in plaster. Elements of the detail were then worked in by hand to ensure that, as far as possible, a faithful rendering of the design was achieved.  The tooling was produced to the required dimensions of the Sovereign and at this size the engravers again completed the finishing touches by hand. Through this process the intricate details and contours of the composition have been restored so that the sovereign now stands as a sculptured form in a way that Pistrucci himself would have advised. The 2007 Sovereigns are indeed a tribute to the great masterpiece. Their owners will be transported back almost two centuries to see Pistrucci's St. George and the dragon Sovereigns in all their neo-Classical glory." Th Chard "Gold Sovereigns" Company of Lancanshire, England verifies the following changes on the reverse of the 2007 Gold Sovereign:Lower relief, noticeable or apparent in the centre. Longer, re-engraved tail. Longer trailing helmet plumes.  More distinct, possibly cruder, helmet crest.  Completely different folds in cloak.   Smaller right hand, with more defined fingers, gap between sword hilt. Different mane to horse.  Bigger gap between St George and the horse's neck. Thinner gap between horse's neck and reins.  Different end to broken lance (to left of ground).  Completely different ground. Smaller BP initials, rather blurred and indistinct.  Dragon's wings differ. Dragon's nose, mouth, crest, and claws altered.  George's garter is redefined. Horse's musclature has been substantially changed, as has George's.  The border has been changed, and now looks more like a railway line, as opposed to convex toothed beads. (The obverse border does not match).  The exergue appears to be taller, as do the date numerals.  There is a smaller gap between the border and the main parts of the design.  There you have it! If you collect Gold Sovreigns, better hurry and order yours today! Here's the image: <a href="http://www.goldsovereigns.co.uk/images/2007sovereignproofrev240.jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.goldsovereigns.co.uk/images/2007sovereignproofrev240.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.goldsovereigns.co.uk/images/2007sovereignproofrev240.jpg</a> Clinker [/QUOTE]

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