The year 2001 "Brilliant Uncirculated" version of the £5 gold coin was released at £525. In 2000, there was also a bullion version, but this was not repeated in subsequent years. 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.
"U" For Uncirculated
From the 1984 issue, the Mint started to place a letter "U" to the left of the date to denote Uncirculated versions of the five pound gold coins, as opposed to the proof versions, we do not know why they thought this was necessary. 2001 was the last date of the "Brilliant Uncirculated" gold five pounds to bear the "U" mark, after this date, the practice was discontinued.
We suspect that the reason for the re-issue may be to establish the five pound gold coins as exempt from VAT under the new scheme. By ensuring that at least one version of the coin sells at under 80% premium, it removes the liability for VAT on all the versions of the same coin. Whatever the reason, we believe the coin to be very reasonably priced, even at £325, which represents a premium of under 50%. At our prices, it is even more reasonably priced.
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 2001 'Brilliant Uncirculated' £5 Gold Coin