1966 GOLD Sovreign (UNC)

1966 GOLD Sovereign, Elizabeth II Young Head

Obverse: Presents Queen Elizabeth II's first portrait by Mary Gillick. The first Portrait of Elizabeth II was issued on British coinage in 1953, the year of Her Majesty's Coronation. The image hosts a youthful uncrowned Queen, which is still used on Maundy Money today, a royal tradition dating back to the Bible. An alumna of The Royal College of Art, Mary Gillick met husband Ernest Gillick while studying at the institution and the duo worked together for 46 years. Gillick competed against 16 artists for the honour of designing the first Portrait of Elizabeth II. Her design stood out for its absence of a crown and The Queen's 'approachable' depiction. 

Reverse: The 1966 gold bullion Sovereign hosts the signature 1817 'St George and the Dragon' design by Benedetto Pistrucci. In the 19th century, talented Italian engraver Pistrucci was instructed to develop designs for George III's silver and gold coins by William Wellesley-Pole, The Master of The Mint and the Waterloo Medal for the British Government, a commission which took the artist 30 years to create. 

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. Elizabeth II has held the role since her accession to the throne in 1952. 

No Proof versions of the 1966 gold Sovereign were ever minted / issued.

*In my opinion this gold sovereign is in UNC (uncirculated condition but please judge for yourself.*

The above picture is a generic picture used for display purposes only, as the above photos of the actual coin do not display the coin nicely.