Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II: A Legacy in Gold
This year would have seen the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history. One of the most instantly recognisable figures of the modern age, her reign spanned seven decades of huge social, political and technological transformation. In that time, she became a symbol of continuity, duty and stability. Today, more than three years after her death, her legacy continues to inspire admiration and affection across the globe.
As we reflect on an extraordinary life dedicated to the service of others, a new set of commemorative coins is being issued to mark the occasion. Each bears a previously unseen effigy of the late Queen, masterfully created by the acclaimed artist Raphael Maklouf.
Early Life and Accession
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London, the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York. At the time of her birth, few could have predicted the dramatic turn of events that would one day place her on the throne. In 1936, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated so that he could marry Wallis Simpson. Consequently, her father became King George VI and Elizabeth found herself the heir presumptive at just ten years old.
Her childhood was shaped by a strong sense of duty, particularly during the Second World War. In 1945, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and motor mechanic. She prided herself on being the only member of the Royal Family who could change a wheel and repair an engine.
Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of twenty-five on 6 February 1952 while she was visiting Kenya with her husband. Her coronation in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953 became the first coronation to be televised, enabling over twenty million people to watch her be crowned sovereign of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Ceylon and Pakistan. It heralded the start of the new Elizabethan Age and, with it, a new, more visible monarchy.
A Reign of Change
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for over seventy years, during which the British Empire transitioned into a modern Commonwealth comprising a voluntary association of independent nations. She became Head of the Commonwealth, a role she valued deeply, and worked tirelessly to maintain unity among its member states through diplomacy and personal engagement.
She made over 250 international trips and visited more than 115 countries, forging business connections and strengthening bonds of friendship between nations. No other monarch has travelled further or done more to promote Britain and the Commonwealth.
Her reign was defined by an unwavering commitment to duty. In a broadcast from South Africa on her 21st birthday in 1947, she vowed,
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service."
It was a promise that she kept faithfully to the very end. Her last public engagement was just two days before her death, when she formally appointed Liz Truss as her fifteenth Prime Minister.
Known for her discretion, she rarely expressed personal opinions publicly, preserving the political neutrality essential to her constitutional role. But, behind the formality, she was known to possess a dry sense of humour, a love of horses and dogs, and a sharp understanding of people and international politics gained through seven decades of weekly audiences with her Prime Ministers.
The Unseen Effigies
During her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on more coins than any other person in history, with her portrait gracing the currency of at least 35 countries. Five official coin portraits marked the evolution of her reign on British coinage. Her third portrait, which appeared on British and Commonwealth coins struck between 1985 and 1998, was crafted by Raphael Maklouf.
In this important centenary year, the life of Queen Elizabeth II will be honoured with a remarkable, limited-edition set of commemorative coins featuring seven never-before-seen effigies by Raphael Maklouf. The portraits, one for each decade of her reign, capture the dignity, poise and enduring legacy of the late monarch, offering collectors and admirers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of Britain’s most distinguished sculptors and coin designers.
A Lasting Legacy
As we celebrate the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, we remember a monarch whose life was bound to the service of her nation and the world. Her legacy is one of stability, service and continuity. She provided a moral anchor during times of national uncertainty, guiding the monarchy through profound transformation while preserving its relevance.
Her legacy is a monarchy reshaped by her example and a benchmark against which future reigns will inevitably be measured. We hope that the unveiling of these special coins struck in her honour will help to ensure that her dedication and commitment to her country and the wider Commonwealth continue to be recognised and valued for generations to come. Click here to check out the latest range, and some of the previous, monumental coins that were released during the record-breaking reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
