2005 Gold Sovereigns
During 2004, we wondered whether the 2005 sovereigns would have the familiar St. George and Dragon design, or a special single year one-off design.

New Old Design
In 1989 and again in 2002, the Royal Mint issued gold sovereigns with a different design, in each case for one single year only. These appear to have proved popular. The 1989 was available as a proof only, indeed no ordinary uncirculated sovereigns were issued from 1983 to 1999. Although from memory it only sold normally when it was first issued, it has seen increasing demand from the growing numbers of sovereign collectors. As the supply is limited, the prices of these sovereigns have been increasing, they now change hands at about double the original issue price.
The 2002 sovereigns for the Golden Jubilee were of a shield design, reflecting the similar device used in the early period of Victoria's reign from 1838 to 1871. Once again these were popular, time will tell whether they reach the price levels of the 1989's.

Updated St. George
We discovered in October 2004, that the new 2005 design will be a re-worked and stylised version of the traditional St George & Dragon design which has been used on sovereigns, with a few breaks, since 1817. The silver crown issued in 1935 for the Silver Jubilee of George V featured a stylised deco version of St. George and the dragon, which is sometimes called the "rocking horse crown". Although we were not around when it was issued, we can guess that it was not universally popular when it was issued, and opinion is still divided about its artistic and aesthetic merits. The Isle of Man also produce sovereigns with a St. George and dragon design, or a Viking and dragon, these seem to be popular.
We can predict that the new design will divide opinion, as do all new designs. We tend to be quite positive and receptive to new ideas and designs, and expect to like the new design when we see it. We also believe that the introduction of new ideas and designs is good as it stimulates discussion and interest in collecting coins in general. The traditionalists will no doubt prefer the existing St George design, others will prefer the new design. It is just possible that the combination of old and new will unite these factions, but it is more likely to create and deepen divisions

Release Dates
Uncirculated (Bullion) Version
We expect to receive our first delivery on Wednesday 5th January 2005, direct from the Royal Mint.

Proofs Expected in February 2005
Between 2000 and 2004, the proof version sovereigns have been released between January to June, latest intelligence informs us that it will be in late January 2005. We hope to receive our first delivery on 25th January.

Advance Order Prices
As in other recent years, we will be placing a large advance order for both proof and uncirculated sovereigns.
We will be accepting orders at our advance order price for both the uncirculated (bullion) version, and the proof version.
These prices may need to be revised during 2004 depending on gold bullion prices, but we will try to honour orders placed in advance at the following prices.

Issue Limits
For 2005, we expect an issue limit of a maximum of 100,000 uncirculated, the same as for recent years. We expect the issue limit for the proof version to be 15,000 or less.

2005 Advance Order Prices

Uncirculated Version

Quantity	Price £	Price $	Price €
1	£95	$140	€110
10	£72.50	$135	€106
20 (Sheet)	£71	$132	€104
50	£69	$129.50	€101
100	£67	$125	€99

We also have leatherette cases available for the Uncirculated version, priced £2 each if ordered with coins.

Proof Version
Prices
The Royal Mint pricing for the 2003 proof sovereigns was £134.95, but we are offering our popular pre release prices for 2005, with our customary price guarantee.
We will provisionally accept advance orders at :-

Quantity	Price £	Price $	Price
1	£150	$250	€195
10	£145	$242	€188

We believe the 2005 issue will be very popular!

Price Guarantee
Each year, we give a price guarantee on advance orders for the new year's sovereigns. Although it is rather early for us to be able to estimate the official 2005 price levels, we will still operate our price guarantee, even at this early stage.
We will absorb the first £10 of any price increase of the proof version, and give a cancellation option in the event that we have to ask for any extra to cover price increases above £10 per coin. Since we have been operating our advance order scheme, we have never yet asked for any more money. In the unlikely event that the official Royal Mint price is lower than our advance order price, we will refund the difference. We will also match or beat any other genuine pre-order offer.

Postage & Packing

Per Delivery - Any Quantity
At Buyer's Risk £2.50, or...
Fully Insured £6
Airmail to USA $10
Insured to USA $20

Deliveries
We despatch most of our orders within 24 hours, although we do reserve the right to clear cheques before despatch. If your order is urgent for a gift, please tell us on the order form and we will do our best to help.

Notes