Sovereign 2016 (Fifth Portrait), Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").

In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).

Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRA REGINA · FID · DEF. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

The reverse depicts, within a beaded border, an illustration of the legend of St George as the slayer of the dragon.

St George is on horseback, advancing to right, wearing a helmet and chlamys (cape, or cloak) fastened in front by a fibula, and holding a sword. His left hand clutches the rein of the horse's bridle, and he does not wear armour, other than on his lower legs and feet, with his toes bare. The saint's horse appears to be half attacking, half shrinking from the dragon, which lies wounded by George's spear and in the throes of death. The point of a spear is broken off in the dragon’s side; the shaft lays on the ground behind the horse.

In exergue, the date: 2016.

Below the exergue line at right are the artist's initials B.P. (for Benedetto Pistrucci).

The figure is based on the original design of 1820 with St George's plumed helmet without its streamer.

Some of the coins were struck by MMTC-PAMP in India and have the letter I as a mint mark, in relief on the ground below St George's horse.

1,251 bullion coins (Brilliant Uncirculated grade) only. The proofs this year had James Butler's 90th birthday portrait of the Queen.

Mintage of the coins struck in India is unknown. They were issued in a "Security Mint Card" with encapsulated Certificate of Authenticity.