Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, died at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. During her reign of more than 70 years, her portrait appeared on the coins and banknotes of dozens of countries across the Commonwealth and beyond — likely on more coins than any other person in history.
Because billions of coins carried her image, most are common. But some Queen Elizabeth II coins are true rarities.
Changing Portraits
Over her reign, the Queen’s effigy was updated several times to reflect her age. In the United Kingdom, five main portraits were used on circulating coins, beginning with Mary Gillick’s youthful portrait in 1953 and ending with Jody Clark’s portrait introduced in 2015. Collectors often build sets that show each portrait.
Record-Breaking Giant Coins
- Royal Canadian Mint 100-kilogram gold Maple Leaf (2007): a pure gold coin with a face value of one million Canadian dollars, made in only a handful of examples.
- Perth Mint one-tonne gold Kangaroo (2011): a one-tonne pure gold coin with a face value of one million Australian dollars — one of the largest gold coins ever made.
Both bear the Queen’s portrait and are among the most remarkable coins ever struck.
Low-Mintage Gold Proofs
National mints in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere issued limited-edition gold proof coins featuring the Queen. Coins in unusual sizes — such as two-ounce or larger gold formats — with mintages of only a few hundred pieces are especially prized. Royal-themed series celebrating anniversaries and other monarchs are popular with collectors.
Proof Coins: A Note on Terminology
“Proof” refers to how a coin is made, not its condition. Proof coins are struck on specially prepared, highly polished dies and blanks, usually more than once, to produce sharp details and mirror-like surfaces.
What Makes a Queen Elizabeth II Coin Valuable?
- Official government issue from a recognized national mint.
- Very low mintage, sometimes only a few hundred coins.
- Unusual size or metal, such as large gold formats.
- Historic significance, such as coronation, jubilee or memorial issues.
- Top condition, such as coins certified PR70 Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo by a major grading service.
- Provenance, such as coins from a notable collection.
A Lasting Legacy
With the new monarch now appearing on coins, Queen Elizabeth II pieces have become a closed chapter in numismatic history. Whether you collect common circulating coins showing each portrait or rare gold proofs, coins bearing her image are a meaningful way to remember a remarkable reign.