Information about effigy: Seated on Throne, by Bernard Sindall

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first hammered gold sovereign coin issued by King Henry VII in 1489, Bernard R. Sindall's designs chosen for both sides of the 1989 gold coins reflect the designs originally used five centuries earlier. Very few coins or currencies can boast such lengthy service.

Those first gold sovereigns were the first pound coin, as they were issued with a value of one pound sterling. They were called a sovereign as they featured the "sovereign" (monarch) on the obverse. The coins represented the majestic power, wealth and prestige of Britain and were intended to be used as a symbol of Britain's importance, to impress the rest of Europe.

The obverse is reminiscent of the King Henry VII engraving of the sovereign on his throne. It features a majestic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II seated facing on a throne. The similar original sovereign designs continued in use through to Queen Elizabeth I over a century after their introduction. Some gold coins of King James I also used a similar obverse up until 1619.

Enthroned portrait on gold coinage

United Kingdom / Sovereign 1989 500th Anniversary

The design was only used on the various sovereign coins in the year of the 500th anniversary of the gold sovereign denomination.