Elizabeth II Third Portrait 1985-1997

Following the Sovereign’s anniversary design in 1989 the sovereign reverted to its standard depiction of the Queen upon the obverse and the George and the Dragon design on the reverse.

From 1985 up until 1997 no bullion market sovereigns were issued. All sovereigns were proof design.

This coin depicts the third portrait of the Queen. The third portrait is sometimes referred to as the ‘Maklouf head’. For the first time the Queen’s shoulders are not visible in the portrait.