1980 Elizabeth II Sovereign aUNC

[Serendipity]

1980 Elizabeth II Sovereign aUNC

I bought this almost uncirculated 1980 Elizabeth II sovereign from @ChardsCoinandBullionDealer. The decimal head of Queen Elizabeth II is the second circulating coinage portrait of the Queen by Arnold Machin. This has always been my favourite portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has ruled for longer than any other reigning monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe.

As the 1980s began, politics was a hot topic and the television of the time reflected this with millions tuning in to watch the satirical Yes Minister. A recession loomed but Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher insisted, "The lady's not for turning," and John Lennon was shot dead at his New York home. Many were sad to see the pre-decimal sixpence withdrawn from circulation, but it lived on in the Christmas puddings of many a family home!

DESCRIPTION

Elizabeth II (1952-), gold sovereign, 1980, second shoulder-length portrait right, wearing a tiara and off the shoulder dress, by engraver Arnold Machin, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F:D: (“Queen Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”), rev. struck en médaille, St. George on horseback slaying dragon with sword right, plumed helmet with three-strand streamer, horse with long tail, ending in three strands, with one spur higher up at curve, broken lance on ground-line to left, date in exergue, tiny B.P. raised in upper right of exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, edge milled (Marsh 311; S.4204). Almost uncirculated. Calendar year mintage 5,100,000.