Great Britain 2017 Proof Set Collector Edition

The Great Britain 2017 Proof Set Collector Edition is a beautifully curated and historically significant release from the Royal Mint, offering collectors a complete and luxurious presentation of the year’s circulating coinage along with several remarkable commemorative issues. Struck in superb proof quality, this set showcases the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural pride that define modern British coinage, making it one of the most sought-after collector editions of recent years. With its blend of history, monarchy, innovation, and artistry, the 2017 set holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists and royal enthusiasts alike.

The 2017 Collector Edition includes thirteen coins: the standard circulating £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p; as well as five commemorative coins. Among these are the groundbreaking new 12-sided bi-metallic £1 coin introduced in 2017, which replaced the familiar round pound, and several commemorative highlights including the £5 crown marking the Sapphire Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, two £2 coins celebrating Jane Austen and the First World War aviators, and a 50p coin honoring Sir Isaac Newton. This makes the set a vibrant and diverse representation of Britain’s royal milestones, literary achievements, scientific legacy, and military history.

The obverse of each coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark and introduced in 2015. This elegant and modern effigy shows the Queen facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, with intricate detailing in the hair and facial features, surrounded by the inscription “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” and the year of issue. In proof condition, the Queen’s portrait is exquisitely struck with frosted relief against highly polished mirrored backgrounds, creating the classic cameo effect beloved by collectors.

The reverse designs are among the most exciting and historically rich in modern British coinage:

• £5 crown: Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire Jubilee, designed by Glyn Davies, featuring a crowned royal coat of arms encircled by a floral wreath, symbolizing the Queen’s 65-year reign—the first time a British monarch has reached this milestone.
• £2 (Jane Austen): Designed by Dominique Evans, featuring a silhouette of the famous author surrounded by Regency-era motifs, honoring the 200th anniversary of her death and celebrating her literary influence.
• £2 (First World War aviation): Designed by Dan Flashman, depicting a Royal Flying Corps biplane in the sky, commemorating the role of aviation in World War I and the courage of early military pilots.
• £2 standard coin: Bruce Rushin’s timeless concentric ring design symbolizing technological progress, with the edge inscription “STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”
• 50p (Sir Isaac Newton): Designed by Aaron West, showing a fascinating geometric pattern inspired by Newton’s work in mathematics and physics, commemorating one of Britain’s greatest scientific minds.
• 12-sided £1 coin: The brand-new £1 coin introduced in 2017, designed by David Pearce, featuring the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland emerging from a single stem, representing the unity of the four nations of the UK.
• 50p (standard): Christopher Ironside’s seated Britannia, symbolizing British strength and stability.
• 20p: The crowned Tudor rose.
• 10p: The crowned lion.
• 5p: The crowned Scottish thistle.
• 2p: The Badge of the Prince of Wales with feathers.
• 1p: The crowned portcullis, symbol of Parliament.

All coins are struck in their standard circulating alloys—bi-metallic for the £2 and £1, cupronickel for the silver-colored coins, and copper-plated steel for the 1p and 2p—but the Royal Mint’s proof finish transforms these into miniature works of art. The proof striking process uses multiple strikes on specially prepared blanks, producing sharp detail, deeply frosted devices, and brilliant mirrored fields that elevate the coins far above standard circulation quality.

The 2017 Collector Edition is presented in a premium Royal Mint-branded display case with a protective acrylic capsule to showcase and preserve the coins. The set includes a certificate of authenticity and a richly illustrated booklet that details the historical background, design inspirations, and technical specifications of each coin. Complete sets with original packaging and documentation are especially prized on the collector market and are more likely to retain their value over time.

The mintage for the 2017 Collector Edition was limited, adding to its scarcity and desirability. Collectors particularly value the 2017 set for its historic nature—the introduction of the new 12-sided £1 coin—and the inclusion of the Jane Austen and Sir Isaac Newton commemoratives, both of which honor figures of profound influence in British culture and global history. The Sapphire Jubilee £5 crown further enhances the set’s royal and historical appeal.

Condition-wise, these proof sets are expected to be flawless or near-flawless if kept properly, with no signs of haze, toning, or handling marks. Professionally graded examples frequently achieve top grades such as PF68 or PF69, reflecting the Royal Mint’s superior production standards and the meticulous care collectors take in preserving these sets.

This set appeals to a wide spectrum of collectors, from those interested in royal milestones and literary tributes to those focused on British scientific achievements and military history. It also makes an ideal gift or family heirloom, offering a beautifully crafted tribute to Britain’s cultural, historical, and numismatic heritage in one elegant package.

In summary, the Great Britain 2017 Proof Set Collector Edition is an exceptional and multifaceted collection that celebrates the best of British history, royalty, literature, science, and coinage. With its outstanding proof finish, diverse themes, limited mintage, and superb presentation, it remains a highly prized addition to modern British numismatics and a timeless keepsake for

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• Year: 2017
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