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The Great Britain Proof Set 1996 is a masterfully struck collection of the United Kingdom’s circulating coinage, issued by the Royal Mint with its customary attention to precision and historical significance. As with other annual proof sets, the 1996 edition showcases both standard denominations and a commemorative coin that adds depth and value for collectors. Every coin in this set is produced to the highest proof standard, using specially polished dies and planchets to create exceptional contrast between frosted motifs and mirrored fields. Housed in a deluxe presentation case with official documentation, the 1996 proof set captures the spirit of British tradition and the evolving numismatic landscape of the late 20th century.
The 1996 proof set contains the eight primary denominations circulating at the time: one penny, two pence, five pence, ten pence, twenty pence, fifty pence, one pound, and two pounds. These coins are all struck in base metals appropriate to their respective denominations, including bronze for the lower values, cupronickel for mid-range denominations, and nickel-brass for the £1 coin. The two-pound coin in this set is a special commemorative issue struck in cupronickel and not intended for general circulation, making the proof set one of the main avenues through which it was distributed.
Each coin bears the obverse effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Raphael Maklouf and used on British coinage from 1985 through 1997. This elegant portrait depicts the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and is surrounded by the Latin legend “ELIZABETH II DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF.” In proof quality, the sharpness of the bust and the clarity of the mirrored field produce an appealing visual depth, with each feature crisply defined under magnification. The Maklouf effigy remains one of the most recognizable and widely used of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
The reverse designs in the 1996 set follow familiar British themes introduced during the decimalization period. The one penny features the crowned portcullis, symbol of the Palace of Westminster; the two pence coin bears the Badge of the Prince of Wales with three ostrich feathers and the motto “ICH DIEN”; the five pence depicts a crowned Scottish thistle; the ten pence displays a crowned lion; and the twenty pence is adorned with a crowned Tudor rose. The fifty pence continues the traditional depiction of Britannia seated with a trident and shield, a motif designed by Christopher Ironside and widely recognized as a symbol of Britain’s maritime legacy and national strength.
The one-pound coin for 1996 is especially notable for collectors focused on the heraldic floral emblems series. That year’s design features a red dragon passant, the emblem of Wales, designed by heraldic artist Norman Sillman. The dragon is portrayed in a bold stance against a smooth, frosted background, its fine scales and sinuous form rendered in minute detail, especially in proof condition. This issue marks the final entry in the second round of the £1 coin series celebrating the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom, making it a capstone to a decade-long numismatic theme.
The crown jewel of the 1996 proof set is the commemorative £2 coin, issued to honor the 300th anniversary of the founding of the modern British Army in 1696. Designed by Michael Rizzello, the reverse shows the conjoined figures of a contemporary soldier and a 17th-century pikeman, symbolizing the continuity and evolution of the British military over three centuries. The edge of the coin is inscribed with “TERCENTENARY OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS,” reinforcing the constitutional backdrop against which the army was formally established. The juxtaposition of eras on the coin’s face, brought out through the proof finish, offers a visual narrative of the army’s transformation through time.
All coins in the 1996 proof set benefit from the Royal Mint’s impeccable production standards. Proof coins are struck multiple times with polished dies under greater pressure than circulation issues, resulting in highly detailed and lustrous finishes. The frosted designs appear matte against mirror-bright fields, with each element—be it a heraldic emblem, floral motif, or portrait—rendered with extreme clarity. This fine finish makes proof sets especially attractive to collectors who appreciate the artistry of minting as much as the historical context of the coins themselves.
The 1996 proof set is housed in a black leatherette-style presentation case with a fitted acrylic capsule that holds the coins in individual compartments. The set includes a full-color booklet with historical notes, designer credits, and technical specifications for each coin, along with a certificate of authenticity bearing the Royal Mint seal. These components not only enhance the visual appeal of the set but also underscore its legitimacy and educational value, especially for newer collectors or those studying late-20th-century British coinage in detail.
In terms of mintage, the 1996 proof set was produced in relatively modest numbers compared to standard circulation coinage, ensuring a measure of exclusivity. While not rare, the set's limited availability, particularly in pristine, complete condition, continues to make it a desirable addition to many collections. The special commemorative £2 coin was not released into circulation, making the proof and mint sets one of the few ways to obtain this historically significant issue. That fact alone elevates the set’s appeal, especially among collectors focused on British military or commemorative coin themes.
Condition is a key factor in determining the value of any proof set, and the 1996 edition is no exception. Coins that remain in their original capsules, free from environmental damage, are likely to retain their sharp contrast and full brilliance. Issues like toning or spotting, often caused by poor storage conditions, can detract from both visual appeal and market value. As with all Royal Mint proof sets, collectors seek examples that are complete with all packaging, documentation, and undisturbed coins. High-grade examples may also be submitted for third-party grading, with top-graded coins achieving additional premiums on the secondary market.
In summary, the Great Britain Proof Set 1996 is an elegant representation of British numismatic tradition, combining standard decimal coinage with a meaningful commemorative issue. It showcases the Royal Mint’s technical prowess while also reflecting the cultural and historical milestones of the United Kingdom. From the enduring image of Britannia to the celebratory depiction of British military heritage, the set offers a comprehensive and visually stunning overview of the coins in circulation during the year. For collectors building a complete run of annual proof sets, assembling a modern British type set, or focusing on commemorative coinage, the 1996 edition remains an essential and rewarding acquisition.