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Buy Proof Elizabeth II (1952-2022) 2023 Sovereign Coins

We stock a wide selection of proof coins, primarily Royal Mint proof sets. If a particular item you're looking for isn't listed here, it's worth enquiring with us on availability as we currently only have a fraction of our phsical stock listed.

Proof coins are struck to a far higher quality, compared to their bullion equivalents. For a more detailed explanation, please see our article explaining the difference between proof vs bullion coins.

Secure your 2023 Coronation Sovereigns and sets today. Available in proof, brilliant uncirculated and bullion finishes, these prestigious British coins feature a one off crowned portrait of King Charles III. Order now and get free delivery in the UK and flat rate international shipping.

Elizabeth II (1952-2022) Info

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Having ruled for over 68 years (at the time of writing), there have been literally millions of coins bearing her image. The next-longest serving monarch was Queen Victoria, who reigned from 20th June 1837 to 22nd January 1901 – a period of 63 years and 216 days.

Wartime experiences

Born on the 21st April 1926, she was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York. Her father became King George VI in 1936, following the abdication of Edward VIII. During World War 2, Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret spent most of the conflict living at Windsor Castle. She joined the ATS (Auxiliary Transport Service) in February 1945, training as a driver and mechanic.

Marriage and family

She had already met Philip, her future husband, before the war. His official title then was Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, but before they married he became Lord Mountbatten – his mother’s family surname. They married at Westminster Abbey on 20th November 1947 and their first child, Prince Charles, was born almost a year later, on 14th November 1948. Their second child and only daughter, Anne, was born on the 15th August 1950. 

King George’s health started to deteriorate around this time, and Elizabeth took his place at several royal events – useful experience for this monarch-in-waiting. 

Elizabeth becomes Queen

Born in 1895 during the reign of Victoria, King George VI passed away on 6th February 1952. Only a few days earlier, he had gone to London Airport to see Elizabeth and Philip set off for Kenya. His journey was contrary to medical advice, but perhaps he sensed he would not survive to see her return. In Kenya, Philip passed on the sad news to his wife. The couple quickly returned to England, with Elizabeth now Queen.

Coronation watched by millions

With much to prepare and plan for in a country still struggling from post-war austerity, the new Queen’s Coronation was not held until 2nd June 1953. This was the first televised coronation in Britain, prompting a considerable boom in sales of the then rather rare (in the UK) and expensive television sets. 

Following the ceremony, the Queen and Prince Philip began a tour of the British Commonwealth. At this time there was almost universal support and enthusiasm for the monarchy in Commonwealth countries, and she has subsequently visited them, and many other nations, during her reign.

An eventful life

Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed the Second World War, Cold War, Korean War and many other conflicts. She has seen the UK join and subsequently leave the European Union. She has attended all State openings of Parliament except two (when expecting her sons Andrew and Edward) and celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977, her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. In 2015 she became the world’s longest-serving monarch and in 2017, celebrated her Platinum wedding anniversary (70 years) with Philip. 

The most enduring monarch

She has also endured several family crises – notably the separation of Charles and his wife Diana, Diana’s subsequent death in a car crash, the failed marriages of Andrew and Anne, and the tremendous fire at Windsor Castle in 1992. Although the monarchy is criticised by some as an expensive anachronism, Queen Elizabeth II, as patron of over 600 charities and organisations and Britain’s most widely travelled monarch, still enjoys support and affection not only in the country she rules, but around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

2023 proof Sovereigns are available in limited numbers. The Royal Mint only offers a few thousand full proof Sovereigns each year and 2023 is unlikely to mark a deviation from this pattern. 13,040 Platinum Jubilee 2022 proof Sovereigns were issued by The Royal Mint with just 7,995 released in 2021.

2023 Sovereigns are among the first of these gold coins to feature a portrait of King Charles III. That alone will make these coins sought after by collectors in the coming decades. Gold Sovereigns - particularly limited edition proof versions and sets - enjoy a substantial premium over gold and a healthy resale market.

2023 Sovereigns are some of the first UK commemorative coins to feature the new portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings. The first definitive coin effigy of His Majesty was unveiled just a few weeks after he ascended the throne, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The first UK coins to feature a portrait of King Charles III were a range of commemorative memorial coinage, issued to mark the passing of His Majesty’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Charles's portrait also features on the 2022 Memorial Sovereign range and will appear on the obverse of the 2023 gold Sovereign.

2023 Sovereigns will be minted in limited numbers. Proof editions are likely to prove particularly rare. For comparison, 13,040 Platinum Jubilee 2022 proof Sovereigns were issued by The Royal Mint with just 7,995 released in 2021. These 2023 coins will be some of the first to feature a portrait of King Charles III.

Usually, The Royal Mint issues their Sovereigns late in the previous year. However, autumn 2022 marked a break from tradition with the release of the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Sovereign, rather than the anticipated 2023 Sovereign. As such we can expect the 2023 Sovereign to be released in the New Year.

2023 Sovereigns are not the first to feature the definitive coin portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings. That honour goes to the 2022 Memorial Sovereign, struck as a tribute to the life and legacy of His Majesty’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II. 2023 Sovereigns will be issued in Charles's coronation year.

Yes, there will be a 2023 Sovereign. There were two different Sovereigns released in 2022, first the Platinum Jubilee Sovereign and then the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Sovereign. The second release pushed back the issue date for the 2023 Sovereign that we're now expecting to appear early in the New Year.

Right now we don't know what the reverse of 2023 Sovereigns will look like. As 2023 is King Charles's coronation year The Royal Mint may celebrate the occasion with a special design like they have celebrated previous royal milestones. Otherwise, we can expect to see the classic St George and the dragon design.

No, Memorial Sovereigns were issued with a 2022 date. These coins marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of her son, King Charles III who is shown on the ‘heads side. 2023 Sovereigns will also feature a portrait of King Charles and will be issued in his coronation year.

For all UK orders, there is no shipping charge - the price you see is the price you pay. For simplicity, we have a flat rate charge for all international orders.

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