The passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 marked the end of a historic reign that spanned seven decades. As the longest serving monarch in British history, the Queen presided over a period of immense change and progress. From the post-war 1950s to the digital age of the 2020s, Queen Elizabeth II was a constant and reassuring presence through it all.
For coin collectors, Queen Elizabeth II‘s reign is especially significant. Her portrait graced billions of coins that were used in everyday commerce, as well as many special commemorative issues struck in precious metals. With her passing, interest in coins bearing the Queen‘s image has skyrocketed. Collectors and investors alike are eager to acquire tangible mementos of this remarkable woman and her unprecedented 70-year reign.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the value and collectibility of Queen Elizabeth II coins in 2023. From the most expensive rarities to the most common circulating coins, we‘ll cover everything you need to know as a collector or market observer. By the end, you‘ll have a solid understanding of the key Queen Elizabeth II coins and their current and potential future values.
Most Valuable Queen Elizabeth II Coins
Below are some of the rarest and most valuable Queen Elizabeth II coins that collectors are actively seeking. Note that values are for coins graded by PCGS or NGC in the top Mint State (MS) or Proof (PF) grades. Circulated examples or raw ungraded coins will be worth significantly less.
| Coin | Mintage | Current Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 Gold Proof Sovereign | 546 | $30,000 USD+ |
| 1989 Gold Proof £5 (500th Anniv) | 5,000 | $5,000 USD+ |
| 2022 Platinum Jubilee Gold 50p | 1,000 | $5,000 USD+ |
| 1953 Coronation Proof Set | 40,000 | $1,500 USD+ |
| 1957 Gold Proof Sovereign | 542 | $20,000 USD+ |
| 1979 Gold Proof £5 (Queen Mother) | 6,500 | $3,500 USD+ |
| 1983 Copper-Nickel Proof £1 | 250,000+ | $500 USD |
| 1994 Trial Bi-Metallic £2 | <50 | $25,000 USD+ |
| 2002 Gold Proof £5 (Golden Jubilee) | 2,500 | $2,500 USD+ |
| 2012 Gold Proof £5 (Diamond Jubilee) | 2,000 | $3,000 USD+ |
As you can see, the most valuable Queen Elizabeth II coins are those struck in gold, especially from the 1950s and for important royal events like coronations and jubilees. Low mintage proof editions meant for collectors are also highly prized. Let‘s take a closer look at some of the most significant coins on this list.
1953 Gold Proof Sovereign
One of the most coveted coins for Queen Elizabeth II collectors is the 1953 gold proof sovereign. This coin features the first official coinage portrait of the young Queen, facing right and wearing a laurel wreath. The reverse depicts Benedetto Pistrucci‘s famous rendition of St. George slaying the dragon, a design that has been used on sovereigns since 1817.
While over 5.5 million sovereigns were struck for circulation in 1953, only 546 proof versions were issued for collectors. These coins were struck with highly polished dies on specially prepared planchets, resulting in a stunning mirror-like finish. With such a low mintage and being the first sovereign of the Queen‘s reign, the 1953 proof is in high demand.
Recent auction results and dealer listings have valued the 1953 gold proof sovereign at $30,000 or more in top grade. With so few available, competition among collectors for gem examples is fierce. If you‘re lucky enough to own one of these coins, it‘s certainly a centerpiece for any Queen Elizabeth II collection.
1989 Gold Proof £5 (500th Anniversary of the Sovereign)
In 1989, the Royal Mint celebrated the 500th anniversary of the first gold sovereign, struck during the reign of King Henry VII in 1489. To mark this milestone, a special commemorative £5 coin was issued. The coin features the Queen‘s third portrait on the obverse, while the reverse depicts a reworked version of the classic St. George and the dragon design.
Only 5,000 of these coins were minted in proof quality, making it one of the lower mintage modern British gold commemoratives. With a diameter of 36.02 mm and containing 1.1771 troy ounces of pure gold, it‘s an impressive large format coin. Current estimates value the 1989 gold proof £5 at around $5,000 for a pristine graded example.
2022 Platinum Jubilee 50p
Queen Elizabeth II achieved a remarkable milestone in 2022, becoming the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. The Royal Mint honored this historic occasion with a series of commemorative coins, including a special 50 pence piece.
The 2022 Platinum Jubilee 50p features a reverse design by artist John Bergdahl, depicting the Queen on horseback as a young woman. This nostalgic portrait is surrounded by floral emblems of the United Kingdom. Several versions of the coin were issued, but the key one for collectors is the .9167 fine gold proof strike, which had a mintage of just 1,000 pieces.
With Queen Elizabeth II‘s passing in September 2022, just a few months after the Platinum Jubilee, demand for these coins surged. Recent market activity has seen the gold proof 50p trading for $5,000 or more. As time goes on and collectors reflect on the significance of the Platinum Jubilee and the end of the Queen‘s reign, this coin will likely remain highly sought-after.
Grading Queen Elizabeth II Coins
When assessing the value of a Queen Elizabeth II coin, one of the most important factors is grade. A coin‘s grade is a measure of its condition and preservation, with higher grades commanding exponentially greater values. For modern coins like those of Queen Elizabeth II, most collectors seek examples graded Mint State (MS) or Proof (PF).
MS coins are uncirculated pieces that show no wear. They are graded on a scale from MS-60 to a perfect MS-70. Proof coins are specially made for collectors using polished dies and planchets, resulting in sharp details and mirror-like fields. Proofs are graded from PF-60 to PF-70.
Certified coins in PCGS or NGC holders are the most liquid and sought-after in the market. These respected third party grading services evaluate a coin‘s condition and assign an impartial grade. They then encapsulate the coin is a sonically sealed plastic holder with anti-counterfeiting measures. Having a Queen Elizabeth II coin certified by PCGS or NGC maximizes its value and marketability.
As a collector, it‘s important to buy certified coins or raw coins that have been carefully evaluated for grade. "Slabbing" or certifying valuable Queen Elizabeth II coins is a smart way to protect them and make them easier to sell in the future. Unscrupulous sellers may try to overstate the condition of raw coins, so buying certified eliminates that risk.
Collecting Queen Elizabeth II Coins on a Budget
Not all Queen Elizabeth II coins have to be expensive proofs or gold rarities. Many attractive options exist for collectors on a more modest budget. Assembling a set of circulating £1 or £2 coins featuring different commemorative designs is an affordable way to honor the Queen‘s legacy.
£1 coin designs to look for include the 1983 Royal Arms, 1988 crowned shield, 1993 Rose and Oak, and many others. The bi-metallic £2 series features themes like the 1999 Rugby World Cup, 2001 Wireless Transmission, and 2015 Royal Navy among many more. Brilliant uncirculated examples of these coins can be found for under $50 each.
Commemorative crownsized coins, with a face value of £5 in recent years, are another way to collect larger format pieces at a reasonable cost. Cupro-nickel and silver versions are much less expensive than gold, but still allow you to enjoy the intricate designs. Look for crowns honoring events like the Queen‘s 90th birthday, sapphire jubilee, or historic anniversaries.
By focusing on uncirculated or lightly circulated examples, you can assemble a meaningful collection of Queen Elizabeth II coins without breaking the bank. Date sets of 50p‘s or £2‘s in high grade also make an impressive display. The key is to buy the best quality you can afford and stick to a theme or denomination to give your collection structure.
Market Outlook for Queen Elizabeth II Coins
As the world continues to reflect on Queen Elizabeth II‘s incredible reign and legacy, her coins are taking on even greater significance for collectors. The Royal Mint has announced that circulating coins bearing the Queen‘s portrait will gradually be phased out in favor of new King Charles III issues. This process is expected to take several years, but as it unfolds, heightened attention will be paid to Queen Elizabeth II coins.
In particular, coins from the beginning and end of the Queen‘s reign in 1953 and 2022 are poised for the strongest collector demand. Coins with special commemorative designs, especially those with low mintages, should also fare well in the coming years. Precious metal issues in gold, silver, and platinum are likely to be the top performers as both bullion and numismatic collectibles.
According to the Professional Numismatists Guild, the rare coin market as a whole has been quite strong in recent years. The PNG Coin Market Index, which tracks the top 3,000 rare US coins, has increased by over 20% since 2020. While there is no equivalent index for the UK, dealers are reporting similar levels of enthusiasm and demand for Queen Elizabeth II coins.
"The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is truly the end of an era, both for the monarchy and for British coinage," said Colin Narbeth, a respected UK coin dealer and author. "Collectors are recognizing that coins from her historic 70-year reign are now a closed set, and they are eager to acquire the best examples for their collections."
"Gold and silver commemorative coins, especially those issued in the early years of the Queen‘s reign, have seen a significant increase in demand recently," added Graham Birch, a London-based coin collector and investor. "I expect that trend to continue as more people seek out tangible and meaningful mementos of Queen Elizabeth II‘s remarkable life and legacy."
Of course, as with any collectible market, there are no guarantees when it comes to future appreciation. But by carefully assembling a high-quality collection of Queen Elizabeth II coins, you can honor the Queen‘s memory and potentially benefit from their enduring appeal. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, her coins provide a fascinating window into one of the most consequential reigns in British history.
Conclusions and Resources
Queen Elizabeth II coins are a rich and rewarding area of numismatics, offering something for everyone from novice collectors to serious investors. By understanding the key rare issues, portrait types, grading standards, and market trends, you can build a collection that is both personally meaningful and financially savvy.
If you‘re interested in learning more about Queen Elizabeth II coins, here are some excellent resources to explore:
- Spink‘s "Coins of England & The United Kingdom" annual price guide
- The Royal Mint website and historical collection catalog
- The British Numismatic Society and their journal
- The London Coin Club and their educational resources
- Online forums and Facebook groups for British coin collectors
Whether you‘re looking to honor Queen Elizabeth II‘s legacy, learn more about British history, or grow your wealth, her coins provide a tangible and enduring way to do so. As the world bids farewell to this extraordinary monarch, her coins will forever tell the story of her unprecedented reign and the impact she had on generations of people around the globe.
