1981 Gold 5 Pound Piece

The 1981 gold proof five pounds piece £5 was the first modern gold proof five pounds piece to be individually issued by the Royal Mint.

Queen Elizabeth II's second portrait can be seen on the obverse of the coin (Designed by Arnold Machin), and Benedetto Pistrucci's famous portrayal of St George slaying the dragon is depicted on the reverse.

The coin weighs 39.94 grams and is made of solid 22 carat gold.

The gold £5 was originally housed in a tan coloured leatherette presentation case with a certificate of authenticity (COA).

It is estimated up to 6,000 examples were issued by the Royal Mint, individually and as part of the 1981 collection.