As the nation’s mint, we have produced the coinage of kings and queens, struck iconic coins, and commemorated many important moments through the centuries. Sometimes these intertwine and one such moment is now. The Royal Mint is proud to celebrate the 95th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen with a special edition of our flagship coin – The Sovereign, the coin of the monarch.
A Reign Like No Other
In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II became the world’s longest reigning living monarch, having already surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s reign to become the first British monarch to mark more than 63 years of service. From a young queen and a fairy-tale coronation, to a pillar of strength in an ever-changing world, we have shared in the highs and lows for an incredible 95 years of Her Majesty’s life.
“As this day draws to its close, I know that my abiding memory of it will be, not only the solemnity and beauty of the ceremony, but the inspiration of your loyalty and affection.” From The Queen’s Coronation speech, 2 June 1953
Princess Elizabeth became queen in 1952, when her father George VI died. However, it wasn’t until more than a year later that the official coronation ceremony took place, after a customary period of mourning. Following months of anticipation, the event was a grand affair, held in Westminster Abbey and surrounded by all the pageantry you would expect from a British coronation. Beyond the hope that the young queen first symbolised, it has been The Queen’s unwavering commitment to her role and down-to-earth attitude that has won the admiration of the nation through the years. Her Majesty has marked the silver, gold, diamond and sapphire jubilees of her reign, alongside countless personal milestones, from birthdays to wedding anniversaries; the nation has celebrated with her each time.
We’re proud to have struck every official United Kingdom coin of Her Majesty’s reign, from the change in your pocket to the special coins that commemorated her coronation and jubilees. Now, as we come together for another landmark event, her 95th birthday, we are celebrating with a privy mark on The Sovereign, the coin of the monarch.
Collect the Mary Gillick Sovereign Set
Mary Gillick’s iconic effigy design was selected as the first definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen in 1952. Collect one of the first Sovereigns to feature the design, along with the final Mary Gillick Sovereign.
