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The Great Britain Proof Set 1990 is a distinguished release from the Royal Mint, showcasing a complete set of the country’s decimal coinage from that year, all struck to impeccable proof standards. Reflecting both continuity and craftsmanship, the 1990 set offers collectors a vivid snapshot of the United Kingdom’s circulating coinage as it entered the final decade of the 20th century. Each coin in the set is presented in its most refined form, with deeply mirrored fields, frosted devices, and exquisite detail. The 1990 proof set preserves the nation’s numismatic tradition while maintaining its modern face, anchored by the third definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and complemented by a diverse array of reverse designs that highlight British symbolism and history.
The 1990 proof set includes the standard circulating denominations of the era: the 1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, and the £1 coin. Each of these denominations was struck in cupro-nickel or bronze alloys, with designs faithful to the decimal series first introduced in 1971 and gradually expanded in the years that followed. By 1990, these denominations had become fully integrated into the national currency system, and the proof set captures this stable moment before major design and size changes in British coinage began to take place later in the decade. As a result, this set represents a culmination of the early decimal coinage era in pristine form.
The obverse of each coin features the third effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Raphael Maklouf and introduced in 1985. This portrayal of Her Majesty, adorned with the George IV State Diadem, presents a more regal and mature interpretation than the earlier portraits by Mary Gillick or Arnold Machin. Maklouf's design is sculptural and detailed, lending a strong presence to the monarch’s image and becoming one of the most recognizable portraits of Queen Elizabeth II during the later decades of her reign. In the 1990 proof set, the effigy is flawlessly rendered, with a frosted finish that contrasts beautifully against the mirror-polished fields.
The reverse designs in the set reflect a rich array of national emblems and classical symbolism. The 1 penny coin features the crowned portcullis of Westminster, originally used as a badge by the Palace of Westminster and symbolizing security and tradition. The 2 pence coin displays the Badge of the Prince of Wales, with its three ostrich feathers, coronet, and motto "Ich Dien" (“I serve”), a nod to the heir apparent. The 5 pence bears the crowned Scottish thistle, emblematic of Scotland, while the 10 pence carries the crowned lion of England. The 20 pence showcases the crowned Tudor rose, uniting the houses of York and Lancaster, and the 50 pence bears the enduring image of Britannia seated with trident and shield, a representation of British strength and naval heritage. Each design is rendered with exceptional clarity and relief in proof format.
The £1 coin in the 1990 proof set features a heraldic emblem representing Scotland: the lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory. Designed by Scottish heraldic expert Leslie Durbin, the design pays homage to the Scottish Royal Arms and emphasizes the kingdom's distinct national identity within the United Kingdom. This coin is part of the broader £1 series that celebrates the symbols of the four home nations, with a new design released annually. The reverse design is ringed by the inscription “ONE POUND,” and the edge bears the Latin inscription “NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT,” meaning “No one provokes me with impunity,” a traditional Scottish motto. In proof quality, this coin displays crisp engraving and deeply frosted devices against flawless mirrored surfaces.
The Royal Mint, with its millennium-spanning heritage, continued its reputation for excellence in 1990. Each coin in the proof set was struck using carefully polished dies and specially prepared planchets. This process involves multiple strikes at lower speeds to bring out the maximum detail and contrast between the frosted devices and the reflective fields. The result is a set of coins that surpasses circulating or even uncirculated strikes in quality, artistry, and presentation. The craftsmanship of the Royal Mint is fully on display in this proof set, and its coins are often regarded as miniature works of sculpture that preserve the national character through numismatic form.
The 1990 proof set was issued in an official Royal Mint presentation case, typically a sturdy, leather-textured clamshell with a black or burgundy finish. Inside, the coins are secured in a transparent plastic tray, allowing for safe viewing from both obverse and reverse. Accompanying the set is a certificate of authenticity and an informational booklet that describes the coins, their specifications, and historical context. These elements enhance the set’s collectible appeal and archival quality, making it a preferred choice for those assembling complete year sets or preserving important numismatic milestones.
The mintage for the 1990 proof set was modest relative to modern mass-produced commemoratives, ensuring continued interest among collectors. Approximately 120,000 sets were produced, most of which were distributed to collectors in the UK and internationally. Over the decades, many sets have been separated or poorly stored, reducing the number of surviving examples in top condition. As such, full sets with all original packaging and documentation, in excellent condition, are now regarded as increasingly scarce and desirable within the collector community.
When well preserved, the 1990 proof set maintains exceptional visual appeal. The coins should exhibit strong cameo contrast between the frosted devices and the reflective fields. There should be no visible signs of toning, clouding, or haze—common issues when sets are exposed to humidity or UV light. Pristine examples display no contact marks, scratches, or surface disturbances, and the plastic case remains free from cracks or scuffs. Collectors often pursue professionally graded coins from this set—frequently earning PF69 or PF70 grades—which confirm the set’s near-perfect quality and provide long-term protection and verification of condition.
The 1990 Great Britain Proof Set occupies an important place in the timeline of British coinage, bridging the traditional and the modern. With the coinage still largely unchanged from the early days of decimalization, and before the redesigns and resizing of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the 1990 set captures the stable mid-point of the decimal series. Its artistic value, historical relevance, and enduring craftsmanship make it a foundational piece for collectors of British currency. Whether appreciated for its beauty, its representation of Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign, or its status as a finely preserved artifact of its time, the 1990 proof set remains a treasured and timeless collector’s item.