Queen Elizabeth II The Fourth Effigy 2026 UK

Between 1953 and 2023, five different portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have appeared on British coins. Her fourth effigy is commemorated by the fourth commemorative coin in the thematic series issued by The Royal Mint.

The fourth official portrait of Elizabeth II on coins came about unexpectedly. In 1997, the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and commemorative coins featuring their double portrait were minted for the occasion. The artistic quality of the designs was so high that a decision was made to create a new portrait for circulation coins as well. The work, created by Ian Rank-Broadley, was put into circulation in 1998 and differed significantly from the previous idealized conception. The British sculptor chose a realistic approach and openly emphasized the monarch’s age with natural authority, calm, and elegance. The tiara was retained. The portrait ended at the neck and was enlarged to ensure legibility even on small coins.

The contemporary effigy of Elizabeth II, created by medalist Ian Rank-Broadley, was remastered in 2026 by engraver Gordon Summers. The monarch’s profile on the reverse is surrounded by rays, which symbolize eternity and elegance. The obverse of the coin is dedicated to the issuer’s attributes—namely, a portrait of the current king, Charles III, the text CHARLES III D G REX F D (Charles III, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith), and the nominal value 5 POUNDS (GBP).

The commemorative coin, minted from base metals, is placed in special packaging that tells its story through words and images (in English).