The recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain‘s longest-reigning monarch, has renewed interest in the many coins that bear her likeness. From the early years of her reign in the 1950s until 2022, Queen Elizabeth II graced the obverse of coins not only in the UK but in many other Commonwealth nations around the world.
For coin collectors and fans of the royal family alike, Queen Elizabeth II coins are cherished mementos of a historic reign that spanned seven decades. And some of these coins are worth far more than their face value due to their rarity, minting errors, commemorative status, or precious metal content.
In this article, we‘ll explore the fascinating world of Queen Elizabeth II coins – examining the different portraits used, highlighting some of the most valuable specimens, and discussing how the Queen‘s death may impact their worth going forward. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just curious about that old British coin in your possession, read on to learn more about these numismatic treasures.
A Reign for the Ages: Queen Elizabeth II‘s Life & Legacy
Before diving into the coins themselves, it‘s worth briefly reflecting on the remarkable life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II:
- Born in 1926, Princess Elizabeth became heir presumptive to the British throne in 1936 following the abdication of her uncle King Edward VIII.
- She ascended to the throne in February 1952 at the age of 25 after the death of her father King George VI. Her coronation in June 1953 was the first to be televised.
- The Queen‘s 70-year reign makes her the longest-reigning British monarch and the second longest-reigning monarch in world history. She celebrated her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees.
- As head of state, she oversaw the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations in the post-war 20th century. She was queen of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and 15 at the time of her death.
- A constant through decades of immense social change, the Queen was widely admired for her sense of duty and devotion to a life of service. Her death in September 2022 at the age of 96 prompted an global outpouring of tributes.
Queen Elizabeth II was a singular figure in modern history. And she was already gracing coins as a young queen in her 20s, just as her reign began.
Portraits of a Queen: The Changing Face of Commonwealth Coinage
The first British coins featuring Queen Elizabeth II were struck in 1953, the year of her coronation. Between 1953 and 2022, five different portraits of the Queen were used on the obverse of coins in the UK and beyond:
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First Portrait (1953-1970) – A youthful uncrowned portrait by Mary Gillick. Used on UK coins and some Commonwealth coins like Canadian cents and South African 5 shilling pieces.
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Second Portrait (1968-1984) – An updated portrait by Arnold Machin showing a more mature Queen wearing a tiara. Introduced on UK decimal coins.
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Third Portrait (1985-1997) – A new portrait by Raphael Maklouf depicting the Queen with the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament. Used on the first UK £1 coin.
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Fourth Portrait (1998-2015) – A more realistic, less idealized portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley showing the Queen in her 70s. Widely used on coins in the UK and Commonwealth.
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Fifth Portrait (2015-2022) – A portrait by Jody Clark depicting the Queen at age 88, wearing the King George IV State Diadem and drop earrings. The oldest portrait used on British coinage.
These changing portraits provide a fascinating timeline of the Queen from young sovereign to experienced elder stateswoman over the course of her long reign. They also help date and distinguish coins from different periods.
The Most Valuable Queen Elizabeth II Coins
Among the millions of Queen Elizabeth II coins minted over the decades, certain rare and unique specimens have emerged as highly coveted collector‘s items. Here‘s a rundown of some of the most valuable Queen Elizabeth II coins and what makes them special:
1. 1953 Gold Sovereign – $280,000
Struck in 1953 for the Queen‘s coronation, only a small number of these proof quality gold sovereigns were produced. None were officially released to the public, making the 1953 sovereign one of the rarest UK coins. One of the estimated 10 examples in private hands sold at auction in 2020 for nearly $280,000.
2. 1954 Penny – $111,000
These penny pieces dated 1954 were experimental designs produced during the process of creating the new Queen Elizabeth II effigy. Only 3 are known to exist – 2 in museums and 1 in private ownership. The privately held coin fetched approximately $111,000 at auction in 2019.
3. 2012 Gold £100 Coin – $68,000
Minted in 2012 to celebrate the Queen‘s Diamond Jubilee, a special obverse design by Ian Rank-Broadley depicts the Queen atop her horse. Only 700 of these 1 kilogram 999.9 gold proof coins were produced. One sold for $68,000 in 2017.
4. 1965 Churchill Gold Crown – $54,000
This gold coin features an aged portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, making it the first coin to feature a non-royal on its obverse. Only a small number of proof sets were produced and an individual coin reached $54,000 at auction in 2015.
5. 1983 "New Pence" 2p Coin – $10,000+
When the 2p coin was introduced in 1971, the inscription read "New Pence." The "New" was dropped in 1982, so any 2p coins dated 1983 with the "New Pence" inscription are minting errors. These rare coins regularly sell for thousands of dollars with some exceeding $10,000.
6. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin – $6,000+
Featuring a design of the famous Chinese Pagoda at London‘s Kew Gardens, only 210,000 of these 50p coins were released into circulation in 2009, making it the rarest 50p design. Uncirculated examples have sold for over $6,000.
7. 2002 Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland £2 Coin – $3,000+
Part of a series of £2 coins released to celebrate the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, only 485,500 of the Northern Ireland edition were minted, making it the rarest £2 coin in circulation. Examples have sold for over $3,000.
8. 2005 Pemembrance Sunday Red Poppy £5 Coin – $2,800+
Issued in 2005, this was the first colored coin produced by the Royal Mint. It features the Queen on one side and a red poppy on the other in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Only 5,495,000 were minted and high grade examples have sold for $2,800+.
How Will the Queen‘s Passing Affect Coin Values?
Queen Elizabeth II‘s death on September 8, 2022 brought an end to the second Elizabethan era – and with it, the production of new coins bearing her image. The Royal Mint has confirmed that coins featuring the Queen will remain in circulation and be legal tender.
However, the Queen‘s passing is likely to increase interest in coins depicting her, especially rare issues, commemorative editions, and coins from the early and late years of her reign. The price of gold and silver coins may also rise given their intrinsic metal value.
As the world reflects on her legacy, many will seek out Queen Elizabeth II coins as enduring symbols of her historic reign. This surge in demand will almost certainly drive up values in the coming months and years, making now an opportune time to take stock of any old British or Commonwealth coins you may have.
What To Do If You Have a Rare Queen Elizabeth II Coin
If you believe you have a rare or valuable Queen Elizabeth II coin, the first step is to have it authenticated and appraised by a reputable coin dealer or professional grading service. They can verify the coin‘s authenticity and provide an estimated value based on its date, mint mark, condition, and other factors.
Consider having the coin professionally graded and encapsulated in a plastic holder to protect its condition and potentially enhance its value. If you decide to sell, explore multiple avenues like coin shows, auction houses, and online marketplaces to get the best possible price.
Most importantly, beware of counterfeits and do your due diligence before buying or selling any coin purported to be rare or valuable. Seek out expert opinions and be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions
What‘s the most valuable Queen Elizabeth II coin?
The 1953 gold proof sovereign of which only around 10 are believed to exist in private hands. One example sold at auction in 2020 for nearly $280,000.
How much is a 1953 Queen Elizabeth II coin worth?
Common 1953 coronation year coins like the penny, halfcrown, and farthing in circulated condition are worth a modest premium over face value. However, the extremely rare 1953 gold sovereign is valued at over $250,000.
What is the rarest 2 pound coin?
The 2002 Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland £2 coin has the lowest mintage of any £2 coin at just 485,500. Other rare designs include the 2008 London Olympics Handover and 2015 Royal Navy £2 coins.
How much is a 2009 Kew Gardens 50p coin worth?
The 2009 Kew Gardens is the rarest 50p coin with only 210,000 minted. Circulated examples typically sell for around $100-$300 while uncirculated coins have fetched over $6,000 at auction.
What Queen Elizabeth II coins are silver?
UK coins containing silver include Maundy money, commemorative crowns, and some early decimal coins like the shilling and florin. Silver content varies from 500 to 925 fineness. Coins since 1947 contain no silver.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II‘s unprecedented reign saw her portrait featured on coinage for over 70 years – a constant and reassuring presence in the pockets of millions through decades of change. And while most of these coins remain at face value, certain rare and unique specimens are treasured and highly valued by collectors.
From experimental designs like the 1954 penny to commemorative issues like the 1953 gold sovereign and 2009 Kew Gardens 50p, Queen Elizabeth II coins encapsulate the history of her remarkable reign in miniature. Her passing in 2022 marks the end of an era, and demand for coins bearing her iconic portrait will likely only continue to grow.
Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or simply coming across old coins, knowing how to identify and appraise valuable Queen Elizabeth II coins is key. By familiarizing yourself with the different portraits, rare issues, and recent market trends, you‘ll be well positioned to evaluate any old British or Commonwealth coins that may come your way. And who knows – that dusty old coin could turn out to be a royal treasure.
