Great Britain 2019 Proof Set

The Great Britain 2019 Proof Set is a stunning release from the Royal Mint that beautifully captures the essence of British history, heritage, and craftsmanship. This set combines the complete range of circulating coinage with several outstanding commemorative issues, all struck in brilliant proof quality. With its mirror-like fields, frosted details, and limited mintage, the 2019 Proof Set has become an essential addition to any modern British numismatic collection, celebrating both timeless national symbols and key historical anniversaries.

The 2019 proof set includes thirteen coins: the standard circulating 12-sided £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, 1p, and bi-metallic £2, along with five commemorative coins. The commemoratives highlight several landmark anniversaries: a £5 crown celebrating the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth; two £2 coins marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the 260th anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth; and two 50p coins honoring the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes) and the 50th anniversary of the 50p coin itself. This diverse blend makes the set especially attractive to collectors, blending royal, military, literary, and cultural themes.

The obverse of each coin features the fifth definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark, introduced in 2015. This modern effigy shows the Queen facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, surrounded by the inscription “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” and the year. The proof strike elevates this portrait with sharp, frosted relief against deeply reflective mirrored backgrounds, creating the distinctive cameo effect that makes proof coins so visually appealing.

The reverse designs are rich in artistry and historical meaning:

• £5 crown (Queen Victoria bicentenary): Designed by John Bergdahl, featuring a youthful portrait of Queen Victoria alongside symbolic imagery representing her reign and influence on the British Empire.
• £2 coin (D-Day 75th anniversary): Designed by Stephen Taylor, showing Allied forces landing on Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, marking a pivotal moment in World War II history.
• £2 coin (William Wordsworth 260th anniversary): Designed by David Lawrence, featuring lines from Wordsworth’s famous poetry and a representation of his beloved Lake District landscapes.
• 50p coin (Sherlock Holmes 160th anniversary of Conan Doyle’s birth): Designed by Stephen Raw, showing a silhouette of Sherlock Holmes surrounded by a list of some of his most famous cases, honoring one of Britain’s most enduring literary icons.
• 50p coin (50th anniversary of the 50p): Featuring the original Britannia design by Christopher Ironside, reissued to celebrate half a century since the introduction of the seven-sided 50p coin in 1969.
• £2 standard coin: Bruce Rushin’s iconic concentric rings design representing technological progress, with the edge inscription “STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”
• 12-sided £1 coin: Designed by David Pearce, displaying the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland united in one design.
• Standard 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p coins: Featuring Matthew Dent’s innovative Royal Shield of Arms design, where the individual coins form parts of the shield when assembled together.

Each coin is struck in its usual circulating alloy—bi-metallic for the £2 and £1 coins, cupronickel for the 50p and other silver-colored denominations, and copper-plated steel for the 1p and 2p—but the proof finish elevates their presentation to the highest standard. The Royal Mint’s multi-strike process on specially prepared blanks produces sharp details, smooth fields, and a stunning contrast between polished and frosted surfaces, transforming everyday designs into miniature masterpieces.

The 2019 proof set is presented in a luxurious Royal Mint-branded case, with a protective acrylic display holder to preserve and showcase the coins. Included with the set is an official certificate of authenticity and a richly illustrated booklet providing background on each coin, historical context, and technical specifications. Collectors highly value sets that remain complete with their original packaging and documentation, as these preserve the set’s provenance and future market value.

The mintage of the 2019 Proof Set was limited, adding an element of exclusivity and collectibility. The set is especially prized for its diverse thematic range—royal history, military achievements, literary heritage, and coinage history—which appeals to a wide spectrum of collectors. The Sherlock Holmes 50p and the reissued 50p Britannia design have become particular favorites, drawing both numismatists and casual fans into the world of British coins.

Condition-wise, the 2019 proof sets are expected to remain in flawless or near-flawless condition if kept properly, with no haze, toning, or handling marks. Many collectors choose to have these sets professionally graded, where they often achieve high grades such as PF68 or PF69, reflecting the Royal Mint’s meticulous standards and the care with which collectors handle and store them.

This set appeals to collectors of British commemoratives, royal enthusiasts, military historians, literary fans, and those assembling full annual proof runs. It also makes an elegant and meaningful gift or heirloom, reflecting Britain’s past, present, and artistic achievements in one beautifully packaged collection.

In conclusion, the Great Britain 2019 Proof Set is a masterfully assembled and beautifully executed collection that celebrates Britain’s milestones, legends, and enduring cultural icons. With its exceptional proof finish, broad thematic appeal, limited availability, and elegant presentation, it remains one of the most cherished additions to modern British numismatics and a timeless tribute to national pride and artistry.

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• Year: 2019
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