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The Great Britain Proof Set 1991 is an exceptional presentation of British coinage that captures the precision, tradition, and elegance of the Royal Mint. Released as part of the Royal Mint's annual proof set program, this collection contains carefully struck coins that represent the circulating currency of the United Kingdom as it stood in 1991. Each coin in the set is produced to the highest proof standard, featuring frosted designs set against mirrored fields, and is housed in a specially designed display case with accompanying certificate of authenticity. The 1991 set reflects the transitional period leading up to the modern decimal currency's continued evolution, with classic motifs and denominations that celebrate British heritage.
Included in the 1991 proof set are the one penny, two pence, five pence, ten pence, twenty pence, fifty pence, one pound, and two pound coins, along with the commemorative Crown (five pounds) coin. Each coin was struck in base metal, save for the two-pound coin, which was a special commemorative bimetallic or silver release depending on the set edition. The standard base-metal set features copper-plated steel or bronze for the lower denominations, cupronickel for the mid-range coins, and nickel-brass for the one-pound coin. All coins feature the second definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, introduced in 1985, showing the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and facing right, with the inscription "ELIZABETH II DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF" surrounding the profile.
The reverse designs of the 1991 proof coins showcase a blend of traditional and modern motifs. The one penny features the crowned portcullis of the Palace of Westminster, the two pence shows the Badge of the Prince of Wales—a plume of three ostrich feathers within a coronet, with the motto "ICH DIEN." The five pence carries a crowned thistle representing Scotland, and the ten pence displays a crowned lion passant guardant. The twenty pence features a crowned Tudor rose, while the fifty pence, which had been reduced in size in 1997, still retained its original larger dimensions and carried Christopher Ironside’s design of Britannia seated beside a shield with a trident. The one pound coin issued in 1991 bears the Welsh red dragon designed by heraldic artist Norman Sillman, a striking representation of Wales as part of the four-nation £1 coin series running from 1983 to 1997.
The 1991 proof set’s two-pound coin is a commemorative issue honoring the tercentenary of the Bill of Rights in 1689. The coin features a crowned shield of the Royal Arms of William and Mary, reflecting the joint monarchy established after the Glorious Revolution. This design is particularly meaningful as it celebrates a major constitutional moment in British history. The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II, and the edge inscription reads “THE BILL OF RIGHTS 1689.” This version of the two-pound coin was struck in cupronickel for base-metal sets and sterling silver for deluxe versions. It stands out for both its historical theme and design quality, making it a highlight of the 1991 proof set.
All coins in the 1991 proof set were struck using the Royal Mint’s highest-quality proof techniques, which involve multiple strikes with specially prepared dies on carefully polished blanks. This method results in sharp detail, frosted devices, and deeply reflective fields. The overall presentation is elegant and cohesive, with each coin perfectly housed in an acrylic holder within a rigid display case. A printed information card and a certificate of authenticity are typically included, detailing the coin specifications, designers, and mintage limits. These presentation elements elevate the set into a collectible showcase of numismatic craftsmanship.
Though not as rare as some older or precious metal proof sets, the 1991 Great Britain Proof Set remains desirable among collectors of modern British coinage and proof series enthusiasts. The exact mintage figures for this set vary slightly depending on whether it is the standard base-metal edition or the deluxe silver edition, but tens of thousands were issued, primarily to the U.K. collector market and international subscribers to the Royal Mint. The mintage was sufficient to meet demand at the time, but sealed and well-preserved examples remain popular, especially with all original packaging intact.
Condition-wise, this set typically retains excellent eye appeal due to the proof production quality and secure housing. However, coins that have been improperly stored may suffer from hazing, toning, or spotting—issues common to proof coins if exposed to humidity or contaminants. Sets kept in their original hard plastic capsules within their presentation cases usually maintain their pristine appearance. Collectors seeking top-tier specimens should look for sets with clean mirrored fields, no visible scratches, and crisp frosted details. A proof set from 1991 in its original, unblemished packaging with certificate is still very much appreciated in today’s numismatic circles.
As a collectible, the 1991 proof set serves as a historical marker of early 1990s Britain, before many of the decimal coin redesigns and compositional changes that would come in the following decades. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights commemorative two-pound coin adds extra historical and numismatic weight to the set, giving collectors a tangible link to one of the foundational documents of British parliamentary democracy. For those assembling a year-by-year run of British proof sets, the 1991 issue is essential, providing continuity and rich detail in both design and execution.
The Great Britain Proof Set 1991 stands as a celebration of British national identity and a testament to the Royal Mint’s enduring commitment to precision and beauty. Combining traditional heraldry, constitutional commemoration, and impeccable minting, the set is more than a collection of coins—it’s a miniature archive of British history and pride. Its appeal to collectors lies in its craftsmanship, completeness, and the thoughtful integration of design and meaning. Whether held as part of a larger proof collection or appreciated as a standalone presentation of British coinage, the 1991 proof set remains a dignified and impressive addition to any numismatic collection.