All About Queen Elizabeth Silver Coins
INTRODUCTION
Queen Elizabeth silver coins refer to the various silver coins that feature the famous British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. These coins are highly collectible and sought after by coin enthusiasts around the world. The designs on the coins often showcase significant elements of British history and culture, such as the British coat of arms, iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, or symbols of the monarchy like the queen's right-profile relief.
Some popular Queen Elizabeth silver coins include the Silver Britannia, which features Britannia wearing a Corinthian helmet on the reverse, and commemorative coins issued on special occasions such as the Platinum Jubilee. These coins are not only valued for their silver content but also their historical and numismatic significance, making them a desirable addition to any coin collection.
HISTORY OF SILVER COINS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Silver coins have a rich history and significant cultural and economic importance in the United Kingdom. The Royal Mint has used silver and gold as precious metals for coinage to mark significant events in the country for over a thousand years.
Queen Elizabeth II's likeness has graced numerous British coins since ascending to the throne in 1952. Her portrait, created by various artists including Mary Gillick, Arnold Machin, and Ian Rank-Broadley, symbolizes continuity and stability in British monarchial history.
The Royal Mint has released several coin series featuring Queen Elizabeth II. The "Britannia" series showcases the iconic figure of Britannia, a symbol of British identity and strength. The "Queen's Beasts" series portrays the ten heraldic statues that stood guard at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, each beast represented on its own coin. These series, minted in fine silver, are popular among coin collectors and investors.
The Royal Mint also issues commemorative silver coins to mark significant events, such as the Platinum Jubilee and the births and weddings of royal family members like King George VI and Prince Charles. These coins celebrate milestones in British history and are cherished by coin enthusiasts worldwide.
Silver coins hold historical significance in the United Kingdom's coinage tradition. Queen Elizabeth II's image on British coins symbolizes the continuity of the monarchy. The Royal Mint's diverse series and commemorative coins further exemplify the United Kingdom's rich numismatic heritage.
OVERVIEW OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II SILVER COINS
The silver coin offerings featuring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have left an indelible mark in the world of numismatics. One of the most highly sought-after collections is the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin. Designed to commemorate the Queen's 70th year on the throne in 2022, this coin showcases a special portrait of Her Majesty with an elegant floral motif inspired by the coronation gown.
Another noteworthy collection is the Beaufort Coin Collection, which pays homage to the Queen's ancestral connections. These intricately designed silver coins feature symbols representative of the Queen's heritage, including the Beaufort portcullis and the roses of York and Lancaster.
The Royal Mint Silver Brittania is a true gem in the Queen's silver coin repertoire. These coins display the figure of the iconic Britannia - a symbol of Britain's strength and heritage - with a contemporary twist. Struck in fine silver, the Silver Britannia Coin Series offers collectors and investors a more affordable alternative to its gold counterpart.
There is also the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Commemorative Coins Series. This celebrates significant events in British history, such as royal weddings and births. Crafted in fine silver and adorned with beautiful designs, these coins offer collectors a chance to own a tangible piece of British heritage.
From the Platinum Jubilee to the exquisite Beaufort Coin Collection, the Silver Britannia Coin Series, and the shimmering Silver Commemorative Coins Series, Queen Elizabeth II's silver coins captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike with their beauty and historical significance.
TYPES OF SILVER COINS ISSUED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Queen Elizabeth II issued a diverse range of silver coins that showcase the rich history and heritage of the British monarchy. From stunning designs that pay homage to the Queen's ancestral connections to commemorative coins celebrating significant events, these silver coins are sought after by both collectors and investors.
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Coin
The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Coin holds great significance as a commemorative coin marking Queen Elizabeth II's historic coronation. This coin serves as a tribute to one of the most important events in British history. This showcases a portrait of Her Majesty riding her horse, Winston. Her Highness is in her Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards uniform, worn during the Trooping the Color ceremony.
This special coin is available in limited quantities, making it highly sought after by coin enthusiasts and collectors. Its item number, engraved on the coin, adds to its exclusivity and authenticity.
The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Coin is a remarkable piece that captures the essence of her majesty queen the British monarch. Whether you are an avid collector or a proud supporter of the British royal family, this commemorative masterpiece is a treasure worth owning.
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin
Introducing the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin, a remarkable piece of the official 99.9% pure silver coinage collection that honors the Queen's extraordinary 70 years as the British monarch. Crafted with precision, each coin is struck in one full troy ounce of pure silver, ensuring its exceptional quality and value.
The series features the commemorative Platinum Jubilee portrait of Her Majesty The Queen on horseback on the obverse, but two versions have been released. Above is the 50p version, with a graphical celebration of the 70 years done by design agency Osborne Ross. There is also a £5 version with a decorative design by John Bergdahl that's sold alone or as part of a Jubilee Crown set.
Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's momentous reign with this exquisite silver coin, a testament to her extraordinary contributions and impeccable leadership. Whether you are a coin enthusiast or a dedicated collector, this coin is a must-have to commemorate this historic milestone in British history.
The Queen's Beasts Collection
From the powerful dragon to a mysterious yale, ten legendary creatures stood guard as statues outside Westminster Abbey at Her Late Majesty's coronation in 1953. Each bore the shield or crest of the family they represented. Together, they symbolize the queen's historic ancestry and stand as Royal Supporters of England.
Reimagined as a set of silver coins by designer Jody Clark, The Queen's Beasts Collection brings ancient symbols of ancestry, power, and heraldry to life thanks to intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The coin above, for example, features the white greyhound clutching a shield with the Tudor rose. That rose combines the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York, symbolizing how King Henry VII united the warring houses, ending the Wars of the Roses.
For collectors who seek truly remarkable additions to their collection, the Queen's Beasts Collection is a must-have. With the links to the heraldic supporters of the monarchs of England, every coin carries a unique story. An exclusive limited edition keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.
The Silver Britannia Coin Series
The Silver Britannia Coin Series is a collection of coins issued by the Royal Mint as a part of the British coinage program. These coins feature the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, making them a treasured addition to any coin collection.
One of the key features of the Silver Britannia coins is their composition. They are struck in 99.9% pure silver, ensuring their quality and value. Available in different sizes, ranging from 1/10 oz to 1 oz, these coins cater to both investors and collectors.
In terms of design, the Silver Britannia coins showcase the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The reverse features the majestic figure of Britannia, symbolizing unity, strength, and beauty. The intricate details and fine craftsmanship of these silver coins make them a visual delight.
With their high silver purity and stunning design, the Silver Britannia coins are not only a great investment opportunity but also a statement of British heritage and tradition. Whether you are a coin enthusiast or a collector, the Silver Britannia Coin Series is a must-have for any numismatic collection.
DESIGN FEATURES ON QUEEN ELIZABETH II SILVER COINS
The design features of Queen Elizabeth II silver coins are truly remarkable, showcasing the rich history and elegance of the British monarch. The obverse of these coins prominently displays a traditional portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, capturing her regal beauty and grace. The intricate details of the design, such as the right-profile relief and the inclusion of the Queen's signature, make these coins highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. On the reverse, the coins feature various captivating designs that highlight significant moments from the Queen's reign. From a majestic and iconic image of Britannia to a stunning depiction of Westminster Abbey, each design tells a story and adds a touch of artistic flair to the coins. The combination of the Queen's portrait and the intricate reverse designs make Queen Elizabeth II silver coins a cherished addition to any collection. Whether you are a coin enthusiast or an admirer of the British monarchy, these silver coins are a testament to the enduring legacy and historical significance of Queen Elizabeth II.
Right-Profile Reliefs Of The Monarchs On The Obverse Side
The right-profile relief is a prominent feature on the obverse sides of Queen Elizabeth II silver coins. This design element holds great significance as it showcases the various generations of monarch portraits that have graced these coins throughout her reign.
Over the years, five different right-profile reliefs of the queen have graced British coinage. Each portrait is a testament to the Queen's evolution and the passage of time. The first portrait, designed by Mary Gillick, was featured on coins from 1953 to 1967. It depicts a young Queen Elizabeth II with a laurel wreath and the inscription "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA" which translates to "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen."
The second portrait, created by Arnold Machin, was introduced in 1968 and remained in use until 1984. This portrayal shows a more mature Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara and the inscription "ELIZABETH II D G REG F D," meaning "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith."
In 1985, a new right-profile relief designed by Raphael Maklouf was introduced. This portrait showcases a more detailed depiction of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the royal diadem and the inscription "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D," which stands for "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith."
The fourth right-profile relief, created by Ian Rank-Broadley, made its debut in 1998 and was used until 2015. This portrait features a mature Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem and the inscription "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA," meaning "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen."
The most recent fifth portrait was designed by Jody Clark and was unveiled in 2015. This contemporary portrayal presents a dignified and regal Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George IV State Diadem, and the inscription "ELIZABETH II D G REG F D," signifying "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith."
Throughout her reign, the right-profile relief on Queen Elizabeth II silver coins has captured the essence of each generation of monarch portraits, reflecting the passage of time and the evolving image of the British monarch. This design element not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of these coins but also serves as a constant reminder of the rich heritage and history associated with British coinage.
VALUES AND GRADES OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II SILVER COINS
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Coins hold both historical significance and monetary value for collectors and enthusiasts. The worth of these coins is determined by various factors, including their grade and rarity.
The grading scale used to evaluate the condition of Queen Elizabeth II Silver Coins ranges from poor to mint uncirculated. Factors such as age, mint marks, and overall preservation heavily influence the grade assigned to a coin. Coins in better condition will typically fetch higher values due to their superior quality and appearance.
Rarity and demand also contribute to the value of these coins. Limited editions or coins with unique design elements are often highly sought after by collectors, driving up the price and their worth. Additionally, coins with low mintage numbers tend to be rarer and more valuable.
It is essential to consider the overall quality and condition of Queen Elizabeth II Silver Coins when assessing their worth. Coins in pristine condition are more likely to have higher values than those showing signs of extensive use and damage.
In conclusion, the values and grades of Queen Elizabeth II Silver Coins are determined by factors such as rarity, demand, age, mint marks, and overall preservation. Collectors and enthusiasts should carefully consider these aspects when evaluating the worth of these coins.