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Buy Proof Elizabeth II (1952-2022) The Royal Mint The Great Engravers 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.

Buy sold-out, limited edition Great Engravers coins from The Royal Mint. Una and the Lion, Three Graces, Gothic Crown and Petition Crown: available now while stocks last.

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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

The value of Great Engravers coins from The Royal Mint has risen significantly since they were issued. The limited edition gold proof pieces like the 2019 2oz Una and the Lion are particularly sought after by collectors in both the UK and around the world.

The Great Engravers series is among the most popular premium coin collections offered by the UK's national mint with all pieces selling out on The Royal Mint's website within minutes. The market for these collectables remains strong globally.

The Royal Mint issued two 2022 coins inspired by the Gothic Crown: one featuring its iconic portrait of Queen Victoria, the other showing the richly detailed obverse of the original 1847 coin. Both collector's coins feature Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Official Royal Mint Great Engravers coins are all UK legal tender. That means that these premium collectors coins are all Capital Gains Tax exempt with the gold proof editions benefiting from a VAT exemption making them attractive to investors.

Coins in The Great Engravers collection are inspired by rare and beautiful historic British coins, remastered for a modern audience by The Royal Mint's engraving team. Struck in precious metals, these premium UK coins are sought by collectors.

The most valuable Great Engravers coins are also the largest pieces, including some of the biggest gold coins ever issued in the UK. Just one 5kg gold Una and the Lion coin was made by The Royal Mint and sold to a private collector for an undisclosed amount.

Coins from The Great Engravers collection sell out fast as soon as they are released. The Britannia Coin Company offers a select range of new Great Engravers coins while stocks last as well as pre-owned and graded pieces in pristine condition.

2020 Three Graces coins quickly sold out at The Royal Mint. The only way to get hold of these sought-after Great Engravers coins is via reputable re-sellers like The Britannia Coin Company who stock an extensive range of pre-owned premium coins.

New Great Engravers coins can be obtained from a small number of sellers who may have stock after The Royal Mint has sold out. British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) members like The Britannia Coin Company who offer free UK shipping.

In 2023 The Royal Mint shifted its focus from the work of William Wyon, releasing a new two-coin set inspired by the 1663 Petition Crown, the creation of engraver Thomas Simon and opening up new possibilities for the Great Engravers series.

The release of the 2023 Great Engravers Petition Crown, created by Thomas Simon, shows that The Royal Mint is looking beyond the work of William Wyon for inspiration for the popular series, opening up new possibilities for future releases.

As of 2023, The Royal Mint have released six different designs in their Great Engravers series. The list includes Una and the Lion, the Three Graces, and the Gothic Crown (a two-part issue), followed by a two-part Petition Crown set.

The Royal Mint's Great Engravers series looks to the numismatic masterpieces of the past to inspire premium modern collectables. So far, the UK's national mint has featured the work of William Wyon and Thomas Simon on Great Engravers coins.

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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