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The Great Britain Proof Set 1987 is a beautifully crafted and historically significant release from the Royal Mint, showcasing the full range of British decimal coinage as it stood in the late 1980s. As a continuation of the annual proof set tradition, the 1987 edition includes a variety of denominations struck to the highest standard using specialized dies and highly polished blanks. This set stands out as the first to feature the new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, marking a distinct change from the earlier portrait by Arnold Machin. With elegant presentation, low mintage, and the debut of a new royal likeness, the 1987 proof set holds special appeal for both seasoned collectors and those with a historical interest in British currency.
Contained within the 1987 Great Britain Proof Set are the 1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, and the £1 coin. These denominations reflect the fully decimalized system that had been in place since the early 1970s, representing the standard units of British currency at the time. Each coin in the set is struck in proof quality, with frosted raised designs and deeply mirrored fields, resulting in a highly refined visual contrast. The level of precision and craftsmanship evident in the 1987 set exemplifies the Royal Mint’s commitment to excellence, combining numismatic artistry with flawless technical execution.
One of the most historically notable aspects of the 1987 proof set is the transition to the Raphael Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse of all coins. This new design replaced the Arnold Machin portrait that had been in use since 1968. Maklouf’s depiction presents the Queen with greater regality and maturity, wearing the George IV State Diadem and a more sculptural, lifelike expression. It was meant to reflect the monarch’s grace and continuity during her middle years. The switch to this new effigy marked a generational moment in British coinage, and its appearance in the 1987 proof set makes this edition a milestone in the timeline of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign on British currency.
The reverse designs in the set remained consistent with earlier issues, reflecting traditional British heraldry and national emblems. The 1 penny features the crowned portcullis; the 2 pence depicts the Badge of the Prince of Wales; the 5 pence shows the crowned Scottish thistle; the 10 pence, the crowned lion; the 20 pence, the crowned Tudor rose; and the 50 pence continues the classic seated Britannia motif, a long-standing symbol of strength and unity. The £1 coin in 1987 displays the floral emblems of Northern Ireland—a flax plant encircled by a Celtic pattern—part of a rotating series of designs celebrating the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. Each design is sharply defined in the proof format, offering maximum detail and elegance.
The Royal Mint, with over 1,100 years of minting heritage, had by 1987 fully established itself as a global leader in the production of collector and circulating coinage. The precision proof process involved multiple strikes from specially prepared dies, producing coins with enhanced relief, sharpness, and clarity. Every coin in the set was struck on specially polished blanks and carefully inspected to meet the highest quality standards. This meticulous production process ensures that proof coins display far greater detail and brilliance than standard issues, and the 1987 proof set is no exception, presenting each coin with exceptional finish and contrast.
The mintage of the 1987 Great Britain Proof Set was modest, with approximately 171,000 sets produced for collectors worldwide. This controlled mintage adds to the desirability of the set, especially as intact and pristine examples become increasingly scarce over time. Many of these sets were distributed domestically, with a portion made available to collectors abroad, ensuring a steady international demand. The relatively limited production, combined with the historical importance of the Maklouf effigy debut, has made the 1987 proof set a key item for those building comprehensive British coin collections or sets focused on the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.
Each set was presented in a hard plastic display case that offered both protection and visual appeal. A Royal Mint-branded outer sleeve and an informational insert provided historical background and technical specifications for each coin, enhancing the educational value and collectibility of the set. These original packaging components are important for long-term preservation and market value, as sets with all original materials and in excellent condition tend to command stronger interest among buyers. Proof sets that remain sealed and untarnished, with no evidence of spotting, toning, or wear on the mirrored fields or frosted devices, are considered ideal examples and often draw premiums in the numismatic marketplace.
The overall condition of most surviving 1987 proof sets today varies depending on storage and handling over the past several decades. Sets maintained in their original Royal Mint display cases and kept away from humidity and extreme temperature changes typically retain their full luster and sharp relief. In well-preserved examples, the reflective fields remain bright, and the frosted details show no signs of wear or degradation. Coins within the sealed presentation case remain protected from fingerprints, dust, and air exposure, which can all cause clouding or toning over time. For collectors seeking near-perfect examples, coins certified by professional grading services in grades such as PF69 or PF70 can provide added confidence in the set’s condition and long-term collectibility.
The 1987 proof set is also significant in a broader cultural and historical context. It reflects the United Kingdom’s growing interest in numismatic art and its continued celebration of national identity through coin design. The debut of the Maklouf portrait marked a new chapter in the visual history of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, bridging the early decades of her monarchy with the modern era. The inclusion of designs honoring the United Kingdom’s individual nations, such as the Northern Ireland £1 coin, also underscores a growing sensitivity to regional identity and unity within the broader British framework.
The Great Britain Proof Set 1987 remains an essential acquisition for collectors interested in British decimal coinage, royal portraiture, or modern proof sets. With its debut of the Raphael Maklouf effigy, superior minting quality, and modest mintage, the set stands as a collectible of both artistic and historical significance. Whether displayed as part of a larger collection or held as a standalone commemorative issue, the 1987 proof set continues to impress with its elegance, precision, and lasting tribute to the continuity and evolution of Britain’s coinage under Queen Elizabeth II. It is a treasured keepsake of a pivotal year in the story of British numismatics.