Description
This coin features a new take by Paul Day on the classic ‘St George and the Dragon’ Reverse design by Benedetto Pistrucci.
The Obverse (front, heads) presents Queen Elizabeth II’s fourth portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley. Her Majesty is posed in the Royal Diamond crown, which she wore for her coronation, and this design has been used on gold Sovereigns since 1998. The idea of replacing the Maklouf portrait occurred during a competition to design the Obverse of the 1997 Golden Wedding crown.
The Reverse (back, tails) of the 2012 gold bullion Sovereign coin is a new take on the classical portrayal of ‘St George slaying the Dragon’, originally designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. The new design by Paul Day was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and shows St George on horseback with sword in hand, slaying the dragon. Pistrucci’s original depiction dates back to 1817. He designed and engraved the artwork himself and was paid just 100 guineas (the equivalent of around £8,000 today) for his services.
The coin includes the inscription, ‘DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF’, which translates to ‘By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith’. The inscription refers to HM Queen Elizabeth II’s position as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role Her Majesty has held since her accession to the throne in 1952.
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