1982 Great Britain Gold 1/2 Sovereign Proof

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The half sovereign holds a deep place in British numismatic history, with its origins stretching back to 1544 during the rule of King Henry VIII. While the modern series ran from 1817 to 1937, production of this denomination was later paused, only to start up once again in 1980. This 1982 edition represents a beautiful continuation of that revived tradition, struck in a highly polished proof finish with a limited mintage of 22,500 pieces. Crafted from 0.9167 fine gold, the coin contains 0.1177 troy ounces of precious metal. Its obverse displays a detailed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Surrounding the likeness of the queen are inscriptions representing her royal titles, including the Latin abbreviations for 'by the grace of God' and 'Defender of the Faith'. The reverse side of the coin features one of the most celebrated designs in world coinage: Benedetto Pistrucci's dynamic depiction of Saint George on horseback, engaged in combat with a dragon. This classic pairing of obverse and reverse artistry makes the 1982 half sovereign a compelling study in British heritage and engraving craftsmanship.