During a reign that lasted more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II became one of the most recognisable monarchs in British history. Across that time, five definitive portraits appeared on the coins of the United Kingdom, each marking a new chapter in her reign.
The Portraits of a Queen Collection explores these five effigies and the stories behind their creation. For the reverse of each coin in the collection, the original definitive portraits have been remastered by Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint.
This edition features the fifth and final definitive coinage portrait of Elizabeth II. Created by Jody Clark, the design was introduced to UK coins in 2015 and remained in use until Her Majesty’s death in 2022.
Its selection marked a significant moment in Royal Mint history, as it was the first time in over a century that a portrait created by a Royal Mint employee had been chosen for the obverse of circulating UK coinage.
Struck as an official UK coin, this release forms part of a collection reflecting the evolution of Elizabeth II’s coinage portraits over seven decades.
