Way back in 1902, five pound gold coins were issued for circulation, but even then, they were probably mainly hoarded as curiosities and keepsakes as the modern cupro-nickel £5 crowns are nowadays. You may wish to see our page ofother gold £5 coins. In 1980 the Royal Mint started issuing gold £5 coins once again, although some dates were issued only as part of a 4 coin gold proof set, others were issued as proofs, some as uncirculated versions.
1997 Five Pounds - Third Portrait
On gold five pounds, the third portrait was issued from 1985 to 1986, and from 1990 to 1997. In all these years the £5 coin was issued separately in a "Brilliant Uncirculated" version, although there was a proof version issued in the proof sets. We usually have one of these large and striking gold coins in stock, and our price for it is usually less than the original issue price, representing quite a bargain for the collector who has been patient enough to wait.
Low Mintage
The mintage of the 1985 coins was 13,626 pieces, and for 1997 was only 1,000 pieces, making 1997 quite a low mintage year.
"U" For Uncirculated
From the 1984 issue, the Mint started to place a letter "U" to the left of the date to denote Brilliant Uncirculated versions of the five pound gold coins, as opposed to the proof versions, we do not know why they thought this was necessary. Our first two photos are of the proof version, as it's easier to photograph. The third photo shows the detail of the "U" and date. If you wish to see a "B.U." five pound, please look at one of our other five pound BU pages such as1995.
Please check our Standard Terms for Bullion Coins. You may wish to use ourorder form.
Postage & Packing
UK: At Buyer's Risk £3.50 per order UK: Fully Insured £9 per order EU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail at Buyer's Risk $10 US, or... USA Insured Shipping $20 US Canada Airmail at Buyer's Risk $15 Can, or... Canada Insured Shipping $30 Can
Obverse of the 1997 Brilliant Uncirculated Five Pound Gold Coin