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The 1998 Gibraltar 1/25 oz. Gold Cherubs coin is a beautifully designed bullion piece that merges numismatic artistry with fractional gold investment. Issued by the Government of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, this coin is part of a limited series that celebrates classical themes through high-quality gold coinage. As a smaller denomination gold coin, it caters to both collectors and investors who seek affordable access to physical gold without sacrificing artistic appeal or sovereign backing. The 1/25 oz. format, in particular, is popular among buyers who appreciate portability, divisibility, and gift-giving potential.
Gibraltar’s coinage history includes a variety of commemorative and bullion issues, often featuring themes drawn from classical mythology, British history, or religious symbolism. The 1998 Gold Cherubs coin falls into the artistic and symbolic category, with the cherubs—angelic childlike figures—serving as a central design motif that invokes innocence, purity, and celestial guardianship. Cherubs have a long-standing presence in Western art and religious iconography, and their inclusion on a gold coin blends these enduring themes with the tangible value of precious metal.
The obverse of the 1998 Gibraltar 1/25 oz. Gold Cherubs coin bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the standard effigy used on coins from British territories during her reign. Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, whose initials "IRB" appear below the truncation of the neck, the portrait was introduced in 1998 and features a more mature, realistic representation of the Queen, facing right and wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Around the portrait is the legend “ELIZABETH II – GIBRALTAR – 1998,” indicating the issuing authority, monarch, and date of issue. The design is clean and regal, providing a dignified counterpoint to the more whimsical reverse.
The reverse design of the coin features two cherubs in a classical artistic style, portrayed in flight with flowing hair and delicate wings. Their positioning—typically facing each other or oriented in harmony—suggests companionship, protection, or joy. Depending on the specific variant of the 1998 issue, the cherubs may be shown holding a garland, musical instrument, or simply reaching toward one another, all elements that enhance the design’s symbolic richness. The denomination is inscribed clearly, often as “1/25 OZ. FINE GOLD” or “1/25 OZ. 9999 GOLD,” depending on the die variant, and the face value, if present, is expressed in Gibraltar Pounds.
The coin is struck in .9999 fine gold, or 24-karat purity, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of bullion quality. With a weight of precisely 1/25 troy ounce (approximately 1.24 grams), the coin is petite and lightweight, yet still conveys a strong sense of intrinsic value due to its gold content and artistic design. Its small size makes it ideal for collectors building sets of fractional gold from world mints, and for those who wish to own or gift gold without the larger premiums or outlays associated with 1 oz. coins.
The 1998 Gold Cherubs coin was struck in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, showcasing sharp detail and a polished finish typical of modern high-quality bullion issues. Despite its small size, the coin features crisp edges, clean surfaces, and well-defined lines. BU coins are not proof coins, so they may lack the mirrored fields and frosted devices of proof strikes, but they are struck with care to preserve luster and detail, and are generally free of wear, blemishes, or contact marks from circulation. When well-preserved in original mint packaging or stored in protective holders, these coins maintain their mint state appearance for decades.
The mint responsible for producing Gibraltar’s bullion coinage during this period is typically the Pobjoy Mint, a private mint in the United Kingdom well-known for producing non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) issues for various British overseas territories. The Pobjoy Mint specializes in high-quality coinage with low mintages and artistic themes, and its work on the Gibraltar series reflects this commitment. While exact mintage numbers for the 1998 Cherubs 1/25 oz. gold coin are not always publicly listed, the mintages are generally considered low by bullion coin standards—often under 10,000 pieces per issue—enhancing the coin’s appeal among collectors who value scarcity.
The 1998 Gold Cherubs coin is often acquired by buyers seeking to diversify their holdings with fractional gold that also carries numismatic interest. Its appeal lies not only in its gold content but also in its cultural and aesthetic qualities. Cherub-themed coins, with their angelic imagery, often hold special significance for religious individuals or for commemorative occasions such as births, weddings, and anniversaries. The coin is also suitable for inclusion in custom jewelry, bezel mounts, or display collections due to its elegant design and diminutive size.
As a product of a British Overseas Territory with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the 1998 Gibraltar Cherubs coin also has crossover appeal to collectors of Commonwealth coinage. The consistency of design elements like the Queen’s effigy and high-purity gold content make it easy to integrate into thematic collections spanning royal portraiture, religious art, or international bullion. The coin’s aesthetic design, sentimental symbolism, and precious metal content create a triple layer of appeal that endures across markets and cultural contexts.
Values for the 1998 Gibraltar 1/25 oz. Gold Cherubs coin generally track with the spot price of gold, with added premiums for its artistic nature, limited mintage, and condition. While the gold melt value is modest—typically around $120–$150 depending on the gold market—the coin may trade for $180–$250 on the collector market, especially when in pristine BU condition and accompanied by original packaging or certificates. Premiums can rise further if the coin is encapsulated in a certified slab by a grading agency such as NGC or PCGS, although many of these fractional coins remain raw due to their niche appeal and size.
Overall, the 1998 Gibraltar 1/25 oz. Gold Cherubs coin exemplifies the intersection of beauty, symbolism, and intrinsic value. Its high-purity gold content, charming design, and small format make it a versatile and accessible option for collectors, investors, and gift-givers alike. Whether acquired as part of a broader collection of gold coins from Gibraltar, selected for its sentimental cherub imagery, or added to a fractional bullion portfolio, this coin offers timeless appeal backed by sovereign authority and artistic excellence.