1989 Two Pounds Coins

Nickel Brass Issues 1986 to 1996
Gold two pounds coins were re-introduced in 1980 for sale to collectors.
The new nickel-brass issues which were produced from 1986 to 1996 were modelled on the previous gold issues, having the same weight and diameter, although thicker.
The entire series of seven different designs in five different years were all commemorative coins, produced largely to appeal to collectors. All are available in different version.

Commemoratives or Consumer Testing?
Although the Royal Mint has stated that the 1997 bi-metal two pounds were the first intended for circulation, ordinary circulation types were released for all seven nickel-brass designs. It is our theory that they were introduced to test public opinion about their popularity, and the practicality of introducing a two pounds denomination for circulation. They were clearly not popular as a circulating coin, being too heavy at a time when most coin denominations were being shrunk. It appears to be part of human nature to resist change, so it was somewhat predictable that the new £2 would not be universally acclaimed. When the smaller five, ten, and fifty pence coins were introduced, they met with criticism as being too small, but the general feeling is that most people would not like to revert to the older heavier designs. In 1997 a new, lighter weight bi-metallic two pound coin was introduced as a circulating coin. Only five of the seven nickel brass series of two pounds were also made available in a gold proof version.

Obverse
The Third Portrait
The designs used on both sides of this coin recreate those used on the very first gold sovereigns for Henry VII in 1489.
The obverse features a majestic portrait of Queen Elizabeth seated facing on a throne.

Reverse
The reverse is a crowned shield within a Tudor double rose.
The similar original sovereign designs continued in use through to Elizabeth I over a century later, and some James I gold coins still used a similar obverse up until 1619.

Edge
The edge is milled, and has an incuse inscription:-

Technical Specifications

Diameter, Millimetres	28.40
Weight, Grams	15.98
Alloy (Carats)	22
Fineness (Millesimal)	916.6
Actual Gold Content (Grams)	14.63
Actual Gold Content (Troy Ounces)	0.4707
Mintage	2,000

Notes
* In addition to the issue limit of 2,000 individually boxed gold proofs, there were a further 5,000 authorised and issued as part of the four-coin gold proof sets, and 7,936 issued in three-coin gold proof sets from an issue limit of 10,000 (?).

Prices & Availability

Date	Type	Stock	Issue Price £	Price £	Price $
1989	Sovereign 500th Anniversary	£299.95?	Ask	£295	$550
1989*NB	Sovereign 500th Anniversary	£299.95?	Ask	£	$

Notes
*NB = No Box or certificate.

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Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £6 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10,
Insured Shipping $20
Canada Airmail $15,
Insured Shipping via Fedex $60