In 2026, the United Kingdom will honour 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. Across her record-breaking reign of seven decades, Her Late Majesty became one of the most enduring and celebrated monarchs in British history.
Now, The Royal Mint has unveiled the Portraits of a Queen Collection, a landmark series of £5 coins that revisit the five definitive effigies of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on UK coinage throughout her reign.
The Mary Gillick Portrait – A Symbol of a New Era
The collection begins with the Mary Gillick portrait, designed in 1952 after the Queen’s accession. First seen on coins in 1953, this youthful depiction showed the new monarch wearing a laurel wreath, reflecting optimism and renewal at the dawn of a new Elizabethan era.
For this release, the portrait has been expertly remastered by Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver at The Royal Mint. His work ensures that the elegance and historical significance of Gillick’s design is preserved for collectors today.
Editions for Collectors
Whether you are a dedicated numismatist or a Royal enthusiast, the 2026 Mary Gillick £5 coin offers editions to suit every type of collection:
Silver Piedfort Proof £5
- Struck in Sterling Silver to Proof standard
- Double the weight and thickness of the standard Silver Proof coin
- Extremely limited – just 1,500 issued worldwide
- Obverse features the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, symbolically uniting mother and son
Brilliant Uncirculated £5 Coin Pack
- Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, superior to circulating coinage
- Presented in official Royal Mint packaging
- Accessible price point at £17.50 (+p&p), ideal for collectors beginning their journey
Gold Proof Editions
- Premium Proof coins available in gold and silver
- Accompanied by bespoke presentation packaging exploring the Mary Gillick portrait
The gold proof edition is incredibly rare, and we are lucky enough to acquire it for our collectors. In fact, you won’t even find it on The Royal Mint’s website.
Why This Collection Matters
The Portraits of a Queen Collection is more than just a coin series — it’s a tribute to the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Over seven decades, five portraits told the story of her reign, marking her journey from youthful queen to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
Key features of the series include:
- The first release in a five-coin collection honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s official portraits
- Coins remastered by Gordon Summers for modern collectors
- Availability in multiple editions for different collecting preferences
- Official Royal Mint packaging and informative booklets included
The 2026 Mary Gillick £5 coin offers collectors a unique opportunity to begin this historic collection with a design that symbolises the very start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. From the accessible Brilliant Uncirculated edition to the highly exclusive Silver Piedfort Proof, this release represents a piece of history to cherish for generations.
For coin collectors, Royal Mint enthusiasts, and admirers of the Queen’s legacy, this is the perfect way to celebrate Her Majesty’s centenary and secure the first chapter in the Portraits of a Queen Collection.
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