2003 British Gold Pattern Proof Pounds
Since 1983, when the new pound coin was issued, the designs on the reverses of the coins have been changed in cycles of five years, one 'British' version, and four other designs each representing the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom. The next series of four national designs is based on bridges.Four Coin Gold Proof Pattern Collection
We have never had an explanation from the Royal Mint as to why this set was issued as "patterns", and also why they are all dated 2003 when we expected them to be dated 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. We can only conjecture that they are not permitted to produce or release legal tender coins bearing a future date, and there may have been some complex legal reason why permission could not be obtained to release them as legal tender coins. Whatever the reasons, the coins bear the inscription "PATTERN" where they would normally say "ONE POUND". They also have a plain edge rather than a reeded and inscribed edge, and the coins are hallmarked on their edge, the first time this has been done on British coins, although we note this has also been done on the new 2004 pattern issue.The Designs
It seems strange that the Forth design is the first design, but the 2004 pound will be the "Scottish" version, therefore will have a representation of the Forth Railway Bridge as its reverse design.The next design, that for 2005, is the Welsh version featuring the Menai Straits Bridge in Wales.
The 2006 design is the Northern Irish version with the Egyptian Arch Railway Bridge, which is on the main Dublin to Belfast railway line.
The last of the four designs 2007, is the English one, which has the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Don't Pay 20% VAT!
As the coins are pattern coins, they have no denomination and are not legal tender. For this reason the coins are not considered investment gold, meaning they would be subject to VAT if purchased new.
As these coins are secondary market, the only VAT you pay is on our profit, and is included in the premium. At 5% premium, they're lower than some of our bullion coins - including sovereigns! And these are proof coins that you're getting!
Limited Issue
The issue limit was 3,000 sets.Specifications
| Version | Diameter | Weight | Alloy | AGW Grams | AGW Ounces | Issue Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
English
|
22.50 mms | 19.61 grams | .9166 | 17.9758 | 0.5779 | 3,000 |
|
Scottish
|
22.50 mms | 19.61 grams | .9166 | 17.9758 | 0.5779 | 3,000 |
|
Welsh
|
22.50 mms | 19.61 grams | .9166 | 17.9758 | 0.5779 | 3,000 |
|
Irish
|
22.50 mms | 19.61 grams | .9166 | 17.9758 | 0.5779 | 3,000 |
|
Complete Set
|
78.44 grams | .9166 | 71.9033 | 2.3112 | 3,000 |
Prices & Availability
Save £750 compared to eBay!*
2003 Bridges and 2004 Beasts (at 5% Premium)
If you buy the 2004 Beasts set, along with this one, we'll reduce the premium on the beasts down to 5% also!
Individual Coins
If you're missing a coin, or just like a particular design, then we are now able to offer individual coins for sale. Each one comes encapsulated, without a box or certificate. Click here for individual 2004 Beasts coins.
England- Millennium Bridge2003 & 2004 Combined Pattern Sets
Chard Better Priced than eBay
*eBay Price Comparison taken 10/06/2014. Our price £1810 based on gold at £745.14. eBay Price £2560.44. Dollar exchange rate $1.68.
More Information
More information about British gold sets is available on our British Gold Sets Information page.You may wish to use our order form .
Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order, plus £1 per £1,000EU Insured Post £10 per order, plus £1 per £1,000
USA Airmail $10,
Insured Shipping $20, plus $1 per $1,000
Canada Airmail $15,
Insured Shipping via Fedex $30, plus $1 per $1,000
Coins Wanted We make an active market in almost all coins, including gold proofs and patterns. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.
Pattern Proof Set in Presentation Box
One Pound Gold Proofs
Menai Straits Bridge on Reverse of 2003 Welsh Gold Pattern Proof Pound Coin
Forth Railway Bridge on Reverse of 2003 Scottish Gold Pattern Proof Pound coin
Egyptian Arch Bridge on Reverse of 2003 Northern Ireland Gold Pattern Proof Pound Coin
Millennium Bridge on Reverse of 2003 English Gold Pattern Proof Pound Coin
Obverse of 2003 Pattern Proof Gold One Pound Coins
32 - 36 Harrowside, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1RJ, England. Telephone (44) - (0) 1253 - 343081; Fax 408058;
E-mail: Contact Us The URL for our main page is: taxfreegold.co.uk