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The Great Britain Proof Set of 1997 is a beautifully crafted collection issued by the Royal Mint, featuring a complete selection of circulating coinage from that year, all struck in high-quality proof finish. These sets are treasured by collectors for their exceptional strike quality, mirrored fields, frosted reliefs, and their representation of British currency at a key moment of transition—1997 being particularly significant as it marked the year of Hong Kong’s handover and also saw the last full year of coins before the introduction of some updated designs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Presented in an official Royal Mint case, the 1997 Proof Set offers an elegant blend of historic, artistic, and numismatic appeal.
The 1997 proof set includes eight circulating coins: the £2 (nickel-brass), £1 (nickel-brass), 50 pence (cupronickel), 20 pence (cupronickel), 10 pence (cupronickel), 5 pence (cupronickel), 2 pence (bronze), and 1 penny (bronze). One of the most distinctive highlights is the inclusion of the bi-metallic £2 coin, issued only in proof sets that year and not released into circulation—making it a notable and highly collectible piece. This £2 coin features a technological design on the reverse by Bruce Rushin and the Maklouf effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, giving the set added numismatic significance.
The obverse of each coin displays the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, used from 1985 until 1997. This effigy shows the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem and facing right, with the legend “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” followed by the denomination or year. The detailed modeling of the diadem and the Queen’s profile appears particularly crisp in the proof version, with frosted reliefs standing out against the deeply mirrored fields, a hallmark of the Royal Mint’s proof craftsmanship.
The reverse designs present a snapshot of Britain’s currency heritage before many updates that would follow in the next decade. The £1 coin carries the Celtic cross and pimpernel design for Northern Ireland by Leslie Durbin; the 50 pence displays Britannia seated beside a lion by Christopher Ironside; the 20 pence shows the crowned Tudor Rose, also by Ironside; the 10 pence features a crowned lion; the 5 pence carries the crowned thistle of Scotland; the 2 pence displays the Badge of the Prince of Wales (plumes within a coronet); and the penny features the crowned portcullis, all classic designs reflecting the British national identity. In the proof set, these reverses are richly detailed, with a beautiful contrast between matte designs and mirrored backgrounds.
The coins are struck in their usual circulating metals—nickel-brass for £1 and £2, cupronickel for the silver-colored denominations, and bronze for the 1p and 2p—but the proof striking elevates their presentation with razor-sharp details and polished fields. The Royal Mint employed a meticulous multi-strike process using specially prepared dies to achieve the flawless, glass-like surfaces that distinguish proof coins from their uncirculated or circulated counterparts.
Typically issued in a hard, transparent display case within an official Royal Mint box, the 1997 Proof Set also came with an informative booklet or certificate of authenticity, detailing the specifications, designer credits, and historical context of the coins. Sets that retain this original packaging are especially prized, as they preserve both the coins and their collectible provenance.
The mintage of the 1997 Great Britain Proof Set was limited to a few tens of thousands, ensuring relative scarcity and sustained collector demand. The set appeals to a wide range of collectors: those interested in British history, proof coin enthusiasts, decimal coinage series collectors, and individuals seeking key milestone sets from Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. It is also a notable year because of the £2 proof issue, making it indispensable for £2 collectors and an interesting historical bridge before the full circulation release of the bi-metallic £2 in 1998.
Condition-wise, the 1997 Proof Set is expected to display superb quality, with no wear since it was never intended for circulation. Collectors should look for sets with brilliant mirror fields, undisturbed frosted reliefs, and no signs of haze, tarnish, or handling marks. Sets housed continuously in their original capsules and boxes typically retain their gemlike eye appeal. Sets submitted for third-party grading often achieve high proof grades, such as PF68 or PF69, further confirming the Royal Mint’s production excellence.
Historically, 1997 was a poignant year for Britain as it marked the passing of Princess Diana and the symbolic shift in the public’s relationship with the monarchy and national identity. While the proof set itself does not commemorate these events, owning a set from this year allows collectors to anchor a numismatic narrative to a broader historical backdrop, adding an extra layer of meaning to the coins.
In summary, the Great Britain 1997 Proof Set is an elegant and historically meaningful collection that showcases the best of British coinage design and minting craftsmanship at the end of the 20th century. With its pristine proof finish, inclusion of the rare bi-metallic £2 coin, and classic reverse designs, the set remains a sought-after highlight for collectors and an enduring tribute to the artistry and history of British money.