22K Yellow Gold British Sovereign Coin (Dated 2000)
Coin (Bullion and Numismatic) · Yellow Gold (High copper-content crown gold alloy, giving it a classic reddish-yellow hue typical of British sovereigns).
Purity: 22 Karat (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper alloy), also known as .917 fine gold crowning alloy.
Type
Coin (Bullion and Numismatic)
Purity
22 Karat (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper alloy), also known as .917 fine gold crowning alloy.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High copper-content crown gold alloy, giving it a classic reddish-yellow hue typical of British sovereigns).
Weight
7.98 grams total weight (containing approximately 7.322 grams or 0.2354 troy oz of pure gold edge).
Description
A stunning 2000-dated British Gold Sovereign featuring the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This iconic bullion coin represents centuries of British monetary history, struck in durable 22K gold. The obverse displays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy with the Latin legend 'ELIZABETH II D G REG F D', signifying her role as Queen and Defender of the Faith. Known globally for its liquidity and precise gold content, it is a staple for both investors and collectors.
Key Features
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (Fourth Portrait), Ian Rank-Broadley 'IRB' designer initials, high-relief milling, and the specific 2000 date signifying the turn of the millennium.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow with a slight reddish warmth; features a frosted relief against a mirrored-to-satin background, showing light circulation patina and surface contact marks.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks (standard for coins); features the 'IRB' initials of Ian Rank-Broadley under the Queen's neck and the date '2000'.
Dimensions Estimate
22.05 mm in diameter, 1.52 mm in thickness (standard sovereign specification).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features classical numismatic relief and a beaded border/denticles around the rim.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded (milled) edge for security and grip.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the edge is reeded with vertical grooves to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck by The Royal Mint using automated presses; features highly defined relief and uniform milling on the edge, characteristic of modern state-of-the-art minting technology.
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the 'IRB' lettering, consistency of the beaded rim, correct font for the date '2000', and specific reddish-yellow hue of British crown gold alloys.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom, The Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales).
Era & Period
Contemporary British (Elizabeth II Era).
Age Estimate
Produced in the year 2000; approximately 24 years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of British imperial history and economic stability; traditionally used in dowries, as emergency money for soldiers (survival kits), and as a trusted global trade currency.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF); visible surface scratches ('bag marks') and minor edge knocks, but detail in the hair and crown remains sharp.
Value Estimate
Primary value is dictated by the live gold spot price (melt value of ~0.235 oz gold) plus a small 'bullion premium' of 3-8%; secondary market value approx. $500-$600 USD depending on market rates.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it reduces numismatic value; store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or archival flip to prevent further surface scratches.
Similar Items
Half-Sovereign (3.99g), Krugerrand (which is also 22K), American Gold Eagle (22K but larger), and the Britannia (which shifted to 24K after 2013).
Interesting Facts
The Gold Sovereign is often called the 'chief coin of the world' and has been minted in its modern form since 1817; it has no face value marked on the coin because its value is legally one pound sterling.