Gold 22-Karat United Kingdom 20 Pence Proof Coin (Royal Shield Revision)
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · Yellow Gold (High copper-alloy classic British gold coin tone)
Purity: 22K (.9167 Fineness); 91.67% pure gold with 8.33% copper alloy for durability
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
22K (.9167 Fineness); 91.67% pure gold with 8.33% copper alloy for durability
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High copper-alloy classic British gold coin tone)
Weight
12.00 grams (Standard specification for proof gold 20p)
Description
A luxury numismatic specimen of the standard circulating British 20p. While the design is identical to common cupro-nickel change, this is a limited-edition strike in solid 22-carat gold, part of the 'Royal Shield of Arms' collection where multiple coins form a puzzle of the full shield.
Key Features
Heptagonal shape with constant breadth; high-relief proof strike; segment of the Royal Shield design; precious metal composition versus base metal circulation counterpart
Color & Finish
Deep rich yellow with orange-russet undertones; Proof finish featuring frosted design elements against mirror-like polished fields
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmark (Government minted); Features 'TWENTY PENCE' inscription and the Royal Shield design segment
Dimensions Estimate
21.4 mm diameter; 1.7 mm thickness; Heptagonal (7-sided) shape
Gemstones & Inlays
None; Features relief engraving of the Royal Arms segment including the Scottish Lion and Fleur-de-lis
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; Plain edge (non-reeded) consistent with 20p specifications
Chain & Links
Not applicable; Solid strike coin construction
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure proof strike executed at the Royal Mint; exceptional detail in the lion rampant and shield cross-hatching
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive warm 22K color; weight will be significantly heavier than base metal version (approx 12g vs 5g); sharp strike definition; non-magnetic property
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom; Struck by The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales)
Era & Period
Contemporary (Elizabeth II - Charles III era Royal Shield series, introduced 2008)
Age Estimate
Issued between 2008 and 2023
Cultural Significance
Represents the modernization of British heraldry under Matthew Dent's 2008 design revision, which reimagined traditional royal symbols for the 21st century
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated condition; minor surface hairlines and slight softening of the proof luster due to handling outside of a protective capsule
Value Estimate
Approximately $850 - $1,050 USD (based on current gold spot plus a 15-25% numismatic premium for the specific denomination rarity)
Care & Maintenance
Handle by the edges only; do not clean with abrasives; store in an airtight PVC-free capsule to prevent toning or copper-spotting
Similar Items
Standard Cupro-Nickel 20p (worth face value); Silver Proof 20p; Gold Sovereign (different weight/fineness); Maundy Money
Interesting Facts
The 20p is one of the world's most recognizable non-round coins; the gold version was originally sold as part of an expensive 'Piedfort' or Gold Proof set by the Royal Mint