2000 British Full Sovereign Gold Coin
Coin (Bullion/Numismatic) · Yellow Gold (Standard Sovereign Alloy)
Purity: 22K (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper/silver alloy)
Type
Coin (Bullion/Numismatic)
Purity
22K (91.67% gold, 8.33% copper/silver alloy)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Standard Sovereign Alloy)
Weight
7.98 grams (contains 0.2354 troy oz of fine gold)
Description
A 2000 British Full Sovereign featuring the fourth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. The obverse shows the Queen facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. The reverse (implied) features Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic Saint George and the Dragon design. This coin represents the pinnacle of British bullion history, recognized globally for its reliability and quality.
Key Features
Ian Rank-Broadley (IRB) effigy; Millennium year (2000) date; standardized weight and purity for international trade.
Color & Finish
Rich warm yellow gold; brilliant uncirculated finish with mirrored fields and frosted devices
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks (standard for coinage); Obverse inscribed: 'ELIZABETH·II·D·G REG·F·D·2000' and 'IRB'
Dimensions Estimate
22.05 mm diameter, 1.52 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded edge finish
Chain & Links
Not applicable; reeded (milled) edge to prevent clipping
Craftsmanship Details
Struck with high-pressure dies at the Royal Mint; exceptional detail in the hair and tiara; crisp reeded edge.
Authentication Indicators
Sharp relief detail; correct typeface for '2000'; reeded edge alignment; uniform weight-to-diameter ratio.
Origin & Maker
United Kingdom; The Royal Mint
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th/Early 21st Century)
Age Estimate
Dated 2000; 24 years old
Cultural Significance
A symbol of British monarchy and economic strength; frequently used as a traditional gift for christenings and weddings.
Condition Notes
Likely Extremely Fine (EF) to Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); minor surface contact marks visible on fields; strong luster.
Value Estimate
Current market value is spot gold price for 0.2354 oz plus a 3-8% dealer premium (approx. $500–$600 USD depending on current market).
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free capsule; handle only by the edges to avoid transferring skin oils; do not polish to preserve numismatic value.
Similar Items
Half Sovereign (3.99g), Double Sovereign (15.98g), and modern bullion coins like the Britannia (24K).
Interesting Facts
The Sovereign has been produced since 1489 and was once a circulating currency across the British Empire, known as the 'Chief Coin of the World'.