100th Anniversary Of The Queen's Birth
This flagship 2026 commemorative coin collection from The Royal Mint celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring the life and legacy of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Issued one hundred years after her birth, the collection provides a lasting tribute to a sovereign whose reign shaped modern British history and whose portrait appeared on British coinage for more than 7 decades.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born on 21 April 1926 in Mayfair, London, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. At the time of her birth, she was not expected to become queen, but the abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, in 1936 dramatically changed the course of her life. Her father became King, and the young princess became heir presumptive.
When King George VI died in February 1952, Elizabeth acceded to the throne aged just 25. Her coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953, becoming the first to be televised and watched by millions around the world.
Queen Elizabeth II went on to reign for seventy remarkable years, becoming the longest-serving monarch in British history. Her reign included many historic milestones, including the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, celebrating seventy years on the throne. Later that same year, on 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96, succeeded by her son, King Charles III.
Official Range From The Royal Mint
The Mint's extensive 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II coin collection is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty's life, service and enduring legacy. Designed to appeal to both experienced collectors and royal enthusiasts, the range includes a wide selection of denominations and precious metal options.
At the centre of the collection is the traditional Five Pound commemorative coin, a denomination long associated with important royal occasions. Alongside brilliant uncirculated editions, collectors can choose from proof coins struck in fine silver, gold and platinum, including impressive ounce and kilo-sized pieces that showcase intricate commemorative designs, plus a range of historic sets.
A key highlight is the 2026 Sovereign, struck on 21 April 2026, exactly 100 years after Queen Elizabeth II's birth. This special issue features a unique mintmark inspired by the Lily Font in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, creating a meaningful connection to the royal residence closely associated with the Queen's life.
The mintages across the collection are notably lower than those for the Platinum Jubilee and Elizabeth II Memorial coin ranges, which increases their appeal among collectors and makes this centenary release especially desirable.
Two Commemorative Coin Designs
Two different reverse designs are used for this important commemorative issue, each reflecting aspects of Queen Elizabeth II's life, legacy and connection to the United Kingdom.
The first design was created by heraldic artist Timothy Noad, whose work is well known to collectors through his Sovereign designs. For this anniversary coinage, Noad drew inspiration from the intricate ironwork of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the historic royal chapel where Queen Elizabeth II is buried. His design incorporates the Queen's crowned royal cypher, woven into a decorative pattern that reflects the chapel's detailed metalwork.
The second design, used on the largest coins within the range, was created by artist Henry Gray. His composition features oak branches intertwined with hidden symbols representing the United Kingdom's four home nations. The oak tree has long symbolised strength, endurance and longevity: qualities that reflect the character of Queen Elizabeth II's remarkable seventy-year reign.
All the coins in this highly collectable range feature the definitive coinage portrait of King Charles III by sculptor Martin Jennings on the obverse. The combination of these designs brings together the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and the reign of her successor, creating a powerful numismatic tribute to mother and son at an important moment in royal history.
