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Mort d’Elizabeth II : Gold save the Queen !
This article celebrates the historic 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, marked by her presence on numerous gold and silver coins, not only in Great Britain but also in Commonwealth countries. British "Sovereign" coins, in particular, demonstrate an evolution in their design since 1489, featuring successive monarchs and distinctive artistic elements such as the figure of St. George. The article also highlights initiatives such as the French successfully issuing a coin with the Queen's effigy for Niue, illustrating the impact and global admiration for Elizabeth II, including the minting of a massive commemorative coin for her Platinum Jubilee.
The gold pieces that symbolize the long reign of Elizabeth II
Even though the Jubilee is a platinum one, the 70th anniversary, the reign of the "Queen" is marked by several gold sovereigns featuring an Elizabeth II that evolves over time.
Young Elizabeth II
This is the first sovereign minted with the effigy of the young Queen from 1957 to 1968. 45 million coins were issued worldwide.
Between 1974 and 1984, 38 million copies of this version were minted. It shows the Queen in profile, young and crowned with a tiara.
Adult Elizabeth crowned
The next series, between 1985 and 1997, depicts an adult queen wearing a crown and a necklace and earrings. The circulation is less, with only 17 million pieces produced.
Elizabeth in Aged Condition
This depiction of the Queen of England dates from 1998. There have been no new portraits since. However, there are commemorative collector's items:
- For the 500th anniversary of the "Sovereign" gold coin;
- For the Queen's Golden Jubilee, 50 years of reign (2002);
- For the Queen's 60th reign in 2012.
Elizabeth II, Queen of the Commonwealth
The head of the Queen of England is also prominently featured on coins from the former British colonies now part of the Commonwealth. Technically, while she has no power in these countries, she is still their monarch. Thus, in some countries, coins pay tribute to Elizabeth II.
The Australian Gold Sovereign
On this coin, which is clearly a variation of the Sovereign made in Great Britain, we find an effigy of the crowned Queen.
The Australian Nugget
These coins feature a kangaroo on the reverse and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, which varies depending on the year. All variations exist, from the Australian Nugget, 1 ounce to 1/20 of an ounce.
Elizabeth II on a Vera Valor, a crazy bet for little Frenchies!
This is the incredible story of two French people who, one day, decided they would succeed in minting a gold and a silver coin bearing the image of the Queen of England. Experts in the gold and investment coin markets, they knew that the "Queen" was a figure who "sold" coins. Less than 10 years after launching this crazy idea, they succeeded. After many adventures, they succeeded in convincing the leaders of Niue, a member of the Commonwealth and close to New Zealand, to mint a legal tender gold coin with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
The Vera Valor Elizabeth II series is now complete!
The biggest gold piece never broken for the platinum anniversary
It may be anecdotal, but a private collector has commissioned an exceptional gold coin from the Royal Mint to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. The coin weighs 15 kilograms and measures 22 centimeters in diameter. It features a portrait of the 96-year-old Queen on the obverse.
After the portrait, the signature of Elizabeth II
The Royal Mint has of course created a series of gold and silver coins to mark this 70th anniversary. The obverse features a truly original design that challenges the British tradition of minting royal coins. Indeed, it doesn't feature the portrait of the Queen, but... her signature! It's the original signature left in the Royal Mint's guestbook during a visit in 1966! Gold save the Queen!