The E-Sylum:  Volume 5, Number 3, January 20, 2002, Article 12

ROLL OVER, BENEDETTO

  An article in the January 14, 2002 Wall Street Journal
  notes that the British government is about to issue a new
  gold sovereign coin WITHOUT the traditional St.
  George and the Dragon design.

 "The British Royal Mint is about to give one of Britain's
  revered symbols -- its Gold Sovereign coins -- a makeover
  for 2002.  The government soon is expected to reveal
  official details on the storied coins, which among other uses
  are known for being carried by British soldiers for use as
  barter if they get in trouble. The coins will have a new
  design to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign
  of Queen Elizabeth II."

  "The sovereigns still get attention, at least among collectors,
  and this year's Golden Jubilee issue will mark only the
  second time since Queen Victoria's 1887 Golden Jubilee
  that Benedetto Pistrucci's traditional design of St. George
  and the Dragon won't be on the reverse of the coin. The new
  design will appear for one year only.

  The Royal Mint, in Llantrisant, England, declined to comment
  about the release of the new coin, except to say that it will
  make an official announcement soon. The design is said to
  have been inspired by that on sovereigns struck during the
  first 50 years of the reign of Queen Victoria and will show
  the Royal Arms within a wreath of laurel. Afterward, the
  regular design of St. George and the Dragon will return."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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