From Mint to Majesty: Collecting Queen Elizabeth II Coins

Her Majesty is one of the most known historical figures, so without too much modesty we can say that coins with her images are among the most valuable and popular for both professional numismatists and history buffs. You may have even read about them in the Coins Red Book.

During the more than 70 years of Elizabeth II's reign, her image appeared on coins in more than 35 countries and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the monarchy. Today, a coin with Queen Elizabeth II is a desirable collectors' item that varies in denomination, design, material and, most importantly, value.

You may also be interested in questions like “how much are Queen Elizabeth coins worth?” or “what are the most valuable Queen Elizabeth the second coins?”. 

So, here we would like to present you some interesting details and maximize the secrets of Queen Elizabeth coins value.

Interesting Facts about Queen Elizabeth 2 Coins

Queen Elizabeth II coins (also referred as Elizabeth 2 moneda) were minted in the Commonwealth of Nations and in Great Britain during her reign from 1952 to 2022. They have both numismatic and cultural value. Here are a few key points about them:

1. Coins of Great Britain

Since 1953, when the first coin bearing her image was issued, Elizabeth II's portrait has been regularly updated to reflect her age. They include both regular issues (pence, shillings, pounds) and commemorative ones.

The latter were issued to honor anniversaries and important events, for example, the Queen's golden and diamond jubilee. They are often limited in number and are of great interest to collectors.

2. Commonwealth Coins

Coins with the Queen's portrait were minted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries. They could have their own unique designs and denominations, but Queen Elizabeth II remained on the obverse of the coin as head of state.

3. Coins with Different Portraits

Over the decades, the Queen's portrait has changed several times. For example, there have been five main versions of the portrait on UK coins, reflecting changes in the Queen's appearance over time.

4. Different Countries

Coins with Queen Elizabeth II are of various denominations and designs, as her reign covered many years and countries within the Commonwealth. 

United Kingdom

Penny (1p): Features the Queen’s portrait on the obverse. Over the years, it has undergone design changes, particularly in the reverse.

Two Pence (2p): Similar to the penny, with different reverse designs introduced over the years.

Five Pence (5p): First issued in 1968, featuring Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

Ten Pence (10p): Introduced in 1968, also part of the decimalization process, with various reverse designs.

Twenty Pence (20p): Introduced in 1982 with the Queen’s portrait and a heptagonal shape.

Fifty Pence (50p): Released in 1969 and notable for numerous commemorative editions, such as those celebrating the 2012 Olympics.

One Pound (£1): First issued in 1983, often with regional or commemorative designs on the reverse.

Two Pounds (£2): Introduced in 1997 as a bi-metallic one, with many commemorative issues celebrating events or historical figures.

Canada

Penny (1 cent): Issued until 2012, with the Queen’s portrait on the obverse.

Nickel (5 cents): Features the Queen on the obverse and the beaver design on the reverse.

Dime (10 cents): Includes the Queen on the obverse, with the Bluenose schooner on the reverse. How much is a queen Elizabeth dime worth? Often the price is not rather high, until a specimen has unique features. In these cases, the queen Elizabeth dime value will be increased. 

Quarter (25 cents): Features the Queen on the obverse, with various reverse designs, including special editions. The queen Elizabeth quarter value will be measured as a Canadian specimen. 

Fifty Cent Piece (50 cents): Rarely circulated but features the Queen and Canada’s coat of arms.

One Dollar (Loonie): Introduced in 1987, with the Queen on the obverse and a loon on the reverse.

Two Dollar (Toonie): Bi-metallic coin featuring the Queen and a polar bear.

Australia

One Cent and Two Cent: Discontinued in 1992, but these coins featured the Queen’s portrait.

Five, Ten, Twenty, and Fifty Cent: Circulated coins with the Queen’s portrait on the obverse and various reverse designs.

One and Two Dollar: Gold-colored coins featuring Queen Elizabeth and designs showcasing Australian wildlife.

5. Coins After Her Death

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022, the new coins are expected to feature the new monarch, King Charles III. But the question “how much is a Queen Elizabeth II coin worth?” is still as relevant as ever, because pieces with the image of Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and will be used in circulation (as well as will attract the attention of collectors) for a long time to come.

Related article: Hawaii dollar coins. 

Most Valuable Queen Elizabeth II Coins

Collectors from all over the world are ready to pay huge amounts for rare and unique specimens with the image of Queen Elizabeth II. So, let us tell you more about the most valuable queen Elizabeth coins that deserve special attention.

1953 Coronation £5 Gold Coin

This was issued in honor of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and is one of the most valuable coins in the world.  The £5 coin from 1953 is a rare one. It was minted in limited numbers and most of them were issued in special sets dedicated to this solemn occasion (these sets were intended for officials and numismatists alike, but the mintage was strictly limited).

The obverse of the coin depicts a young Elizabeth II (the first portrait of the Queen to appear on coinage after her accession to the throne, designed by Mary Gillick, artist and engraver). The reverse displays the coat of arms of the United Kingdom, incorporating heraldic symbols (the reverse design may vary between mints and specific issues).

• Material and characteristics: it is made of pure 22 karat gold and weighs about 40 grams.

• Market value: due to its rarity and historical significance, the market value can range from £20,000 to £40,000, depending on the condition of the coin and the availability of certificates of authenticity.

2007 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin (100 kilograms)

This huge gold coin weighing 100 kilograms was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. The obverse shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with precise details, while the reverse shows the traditional symbol of Canada. It was issued in a limited edition as part of a program to honor the monarch.

• Material and characteristics: it is made of 999.99 pure gold and weighs exactly 100 kilograms, making it one of the heaviest and largest gold coins in the world.

• Market value: In 2010, this coin sold at auction for a stunning $4 million at its $1 million face value, making it one of the most expensive examples depicting Queen Elizabeth II.

UK 2 Pence Coin 1971 (Rare One)

At first glance, it may appear to be an ordinary 2 pence piece. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse bears the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales. But the key factor in the popularity of this queen Elizabeth second coin among collectors is its rarity: the issue was limited due to an error in minting and subsequently this design was replaced by another. 

• Material and characteristics: they were originally minted in bronze (97% copper) and its weight is 7.12 grams.

• Market value: How much are these queen Elizabeth 2 coins worth? Due to the rarity of the mintage and an error in the inscription, this could sell for between £2,000 and £5,000.

The 1999 Australian Silver Dollar

This one is issued by the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate the new millennium. The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II, and the reverse side of the coin is specially designed to celebrate the new millennium.

• Material and characteristics: it is made of pure 999 silver and weighs 31.1 grams.

• Market value: despite its relatively low face value of $1, this Queen Elizabeth II silver coin value may vary up to AU$1,500 on the market. However take into account that the queen Elizabeth silver coin value depends on condition and demand. 

A 1953 Penny (Proof grade)

It is a coin issued in the first year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, in honor of her coronation. It was specially issued for collectors in Proof grade (which means it was made with special care and high quality). The obverse shows a portrait of a young Elizabeth II wearing a laurel wreath, while the reverse has the traditional penny design of the time.

• Material and characteristics: it is made of bronze (copper 97%, tin 2.5% and zinc 0.5%), the weight of the coin is 9.45 grams

• Market value: how much is a Queen Elizabeth penny worth? If it goes about this 1953 penny, in perfect condition and in their original packaging, it can be worth from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or pounds. For example, 2023 Proof penny prices could reach around $1,000 to $2,000 for a specimen in good condition. However, values can vary depending on market conditions and collector interest.

How to Identify Whether Your Queen Elizabeth Coins Worth Money

Begin by assessing their condition, as the physical state of a coin is a must. Those in pristine condition, often graded on the Sheldon Scale, can command higher prices. Look for pieces that show minimal wear, retain their original mint luster, and have no significant scratches or blemishes.

Next, pay attention to the date of issue. Certain years are considered key dates due to their rarity or historical importance. For instance, coins from 1953, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, are often sought after. Similarly, commemorative ones such as those marking the Golden Jubilee in 2002 or the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 can be of higher Elizabeth II coin value to collectors.

Minting errors or variations are another factor that can enhance the queen Elizabeth the second coin worth. Those with double strikes, off-center prints, or incorrect inscriptions are rare and often attract premium prices. Additionally, metal composition is important. Pre-1967 pieces, for example, often contain a high percentage of silver. Such a silver Elizabeth II coin is more valuable, while certain commemorative editions may include gold with higher queen Elizabeth gold coin value.

Rarity and market demand also influence value. Limited-edition, rare queen Elizabeth coins or those produced in smaller quantities tend to be more desirable. Those associated with significant historical events or milestones in Queen Elizabeth II’s reign often are about more collectibility. To confirm the coin’s authenticity and ensure its value, consider having it professionally authenticated and graded by services such as PCGS or NGC. Certified ones generally fetch higher prices in the market.

We have looked at the most expensive pieces dedicated to Her Royal Majesty, but of course there are plenty of other interesting and valuable pieces that also deserve your attention. 

But if you already own any of the Queen Elizabeth II coins or have a collection of other memorable and interesting specimens, consider using the Coin ID Scanner App. With the help of this app, you will be able to easily get information about the items in your collection, estimate their market value and access the latest news in the world of numismatics. Take advantage of technology now to maximize your hobby pleasure.

Sources:

1. https://www.coinagemag.com/coins-of-queen-elizabeth/