1981 Proof Gold Five Pound

[RSM-migration]

Hello, I have this coin which, if authentic, is of some value. It was part of a relative's collection and I really can't tell if it is a fake or real. It does not seem to have the same luster of other gold coins that I know to be legitimate. Has anyone heard of fakes in circulation? Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[satootoko]

• Elizabeth II portrait and no country name on genuine coinage means Great Britain.
• Great British gold has to be £1 or greater, no matter how small the coin.
• Unlike your item, every Great British coin of £1 or more listed in Krause has a denomination on it.
• No £1 or greater Great British coin listed in Krause combines a young bust obverse with a St. George and the Dragon reverse.

Conclusion: Medal, token, jeton, or whatever, but not a coin.

 

Are you sure it's gold and not brass?

[RareSov]

Actually, it could be a used proof. It doesn't need a denomination

 

Here's a nice new one:

http://www.taxfreegold.co.uk/1981fivepounds.html

 

[satootoko]

Ooooooops. Missed those proofs completely.

 

Just goes to prove that you shouldn't take advice on British coinage from a specialist in Japanese material.

[trozau]

Title says 5 Pound gold. Picture does not suggest it (it can be a half sov or sov from the looks of it). A 5 Pound gold piece should be 36mm in diameter and 40 grams of 22K gold. Notice how cloak is further from coin edge for 5 Pound gold coin.