1997 Sovereign Coins

Explore our collection of 1997 Sovereign Coins, the final issue of the Raphael Maklouf portrait era in Britain’s flagship gold Sovereign series. Struck by The Royal Mint, the 1997 Sovereign continues the historic tradition dating back to 1817, pairing Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the Dragon reverse with the final-year use of the Maklouf effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Issued in 22-carat gold, the 1997 Sovereign is widely regarded as a key modern transitional date, marking the end of one portrait era before the introduction of Ian Rank-Broadley in 1998.

The End of the Maklouf Era

The 1997 Sovereign is especially important because it represents the final appearance of the Maklouf portrait (1985–1997)

This makes 1997 a natural “end point” coin for collectors building full portrait runs.

Proof-Focused Modern Sovereign

The 1997 Sovereign is primarily a collector-issued proof coin, with production focused on presentation-quality strikes:

• Gold Proof Sovereigns issued for collectors
• Full, Half, Double, and Five Sovereign denominations available
• Included in Royal Mint proof sets and boxed presentations
• Struck in 22-carat gold with traditional specifications

A Key Transitional Sovereign

The 1997 Sovereign is one of the most important modern Sovereign dates, not because of rarity alone, but because it closes a major design chapter in British coinage. Its role as the final Maklouf issue makes it a cornerstone coin for serious Sovereign collectors.

Browse our range below to discover 1997 Sovereign Coins, including Full, Half, Double and Five Sovereigns, proof sets, presentation issues, and certified examples from this historic final Maklouf-year release.