1983-99 sovereigns

[Chris99a]

why were sovereigns only issued as proof from 1983-99 without bullion issyes but from 1957-82 and 2000-date, both types have been issued. did the mint attempt to move away from bullion to sell proofs or did demand faulter over this time?

 

thanks

[Wileyfox]

I'm not sure of the reasons for the mint's decision though 1983-99 does coincide with the 20 year bear market for gold, and so investor demand would have dropped off during this time, the chart is USD inflation adjusted and shown on the log scale.

Edited November 19, 2021 by Wileyfox
add clarity

[LawrenceChard]

12 hours ago, Chris99a said:

why were sovereigns only issued as proof from 1983-99 without bullion issyes but from 1957-82 and 2000-date, both types have been issued. did the mint attempt to move away from bullion to sell proofs or did demand faulter over this time?

 

thanks

Almost certainly because of low demand.

Sovereign production from 1957 was driven by need to counter counterfeiting.

At the time, 1983 to 1999, most coins were subject to VAT, including gold sovereigns, which must have provided a powerful disincentive for buyers.

Investment gold became VAT exempt from 1st January 2000.

Much of the above, and more is available on some of my / our heritage sites.