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The Great Britain Proof Set of 1999 is a beautifully crafted and historically significant collection from the Royal Mint, showcasing the complete range of circulating coinage issued that year in exquisite proof quality. This set is especially valued by collectors for its inclusion of a key £5 commemorative coin celebrating the millennium, as well as its representation of the last full year of the 20th century—a fitting reflection on British history and coinage at the threshold of a new era. Issued in limited numbers, the 1999 proof set is a standout in any modern British collection thanks to its artistry, rarity, and commemorative importance.
The 1999 proof set contains ten coins: the bi-metallic £2 coin, £1, commemorative £5, 50 pence, 20 pence, 10 pence, 5 pence, 2 pence, 1 penny, and a commemorative 50 pence marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service (NHS). This diverse mix of denominations and designs makes the set particularly desirable, offering collectors both standard circulating issues and exceptional commemoratives in a single presentation.
The obverse of each coin features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, which had been introduced just one year earlier, in 1998. This portrait shows the Queen in a realistic, crownless profile facing right, wearing a pearl necklace and earrings. The legend “ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D” (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) encircles the portrait, along with the denomination or year as appropriate. In proof quality, this portrait is presented with stunning clarity, deeply frosted reliefs, and brilliantly polished mirrored fields—hallmarks of the Royal Mint’s proof minting process.
The reverse designs of the set include several noteworthy highlights:
Each coin is struck in its standard circulating metal, including bi-metallic for the £2, nickel-brass for the £1, cupronickel for silver-colored denominations, and copper-plated steel or bronze for smaller denominations. The Royal Mint’s multi-strike proof process ensures razor-sharp detail, deeply mirrored backgrounds, and frosted devices, giving the coins an appearance far superior to their circulating counterparts.
The 1999 proof set was packaged in an official Royal Mint presentation case with a transparent hard-plastic holder, often accompanied by a colorful outer box and an illustrated booklet or certificate of authenticity. These materials provide background on the coins, their specifications, designer credits, and the historical themes represented. Collectors value complete sets that retain all original packaging and documentation, as these enhance both the display value and market desirability of the set.
The mintage of the 1999 proof set was strictly limited, adding an element of scarcity to its appeal. The inclusion of the £5 millennium coin alone makes this set highly sought after, as it commemorates the dawn of the 21st century—a moment of global cultural and historical importance. Collectors of modern British proof sets often consider the 1999 issue a cornerstone in a run of late 20th-century sets, thanks to its blend of regular and special designs and its place on the cusp of the millennium.
Condition-wise, proof sets from the Royal Mint are expected to maintain flawless or near-flawless surfaces if properly stored in their original packaging. The mirrored fields and frosted details should remain undisturbed by haze, toning, or handling marks. Many collectors and investors have these sets professionally graded, where they typically achieve high designations such as PF68 or PF69, reflecting the Royal Mint’s superior production standards.
Historically, 1999 was a moment of significant national and global anticipation, with the world preparing for the turn of the millennium. While the set does not directly reference fears of the “Y2K bug” or the sweeping social changes underway, it serves as a time capsule reflecting Britain’s self-image, heritage, and optimism at the century’s close. The £5 millennium coin, in particular, has become a symbol of this era and remains popular among both dedicated numismatists and casual collectors.
In summary, the Great Britain 1999 Proof Set is a richly symbolic, beautifully crafted collection that captures the spirit of a milestone year in British and world history. With its exquisite proof finish, inclusion of the commemorative £5 millennium coin, and representation of Britain’s standard circulating denominations, it holds enduring appeal for collectors of British coins, proof series, and modern commemoratives. Whether part of a complete Royal Mint proof set run or held as a standalone piece of history, this set stands as a meaningful and highly collectible tribute to Britain’s role in the closing chapter of the 20th century.