The Royal Mint has announced a poignant tribute to Britain's longest-reigning monarch, unveiling a new £5 coin to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A Centenary Tribute in Precious Metal
Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on 21 April 1926, the Queen would have celebrated her centenary on 21 April 2026. The Royal Mint, with which her image was synonymous for decades, is marking the occasion with a special collectable coin. The late monarch appeared on more UK coins than any other sovereign, with five official portraits used during her historic reign from 1952 until her passing in 2022.
The commemorative design is rich in symbolism. At its centre features Elizabeth II’s cypher alongside a depiction of St Edward’s Crown. The surrounding foliage is based on the ironwork of the East Door of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, her final resting place. An inscription reads ‘EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA’, meaning ‘She will be exalted in glory’, while 100 beads encircling the design represent the centenary of her birth.
A Broader 2026 Commemorative Collection
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, stated the release allows the nation to discover key anniversaries celebrated on UK coinage. “Coins have a unique ability to mark a variety of themes that resonate across different communities and interests, creating lasting reminders of the moments and institutions that shape our shared heritage,” she said.
The Queen's birthday coin is part of a wider 2026 collection. This includes coins for 100 years of the British Grand Prix, the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society London (ZSL), and the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle's voyage. A special 50p coin will also honour 50 years of The King’s Trust, the charity founded by King Charles III which has supported over 1.2 million young people. The coin's reverse was designed by a former beneficiary of the Trust.
A Sustainable Step for the Mint
In a significant first, the Mint will produce 52 gold commemorative versions of the 2026 collection using recycled gold, sourced from old jewellery and coins in partnership with Sempsa. “This move demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future for The Royal Mint, preserving finite precious metal resources and supporting a circular economy,” explained Rebecca Morgan. The institution aims to produce all gold commemorative coins from recycled gold by the end of 2027.
The 2026 commemorative sets, available in various precious metal and base proof finishes, go on sale from 2 January via The Royal Mint's website, with prices starting from £39.50. While most coins will be available individually throughout the year, The King’s Trust 50p will be exclusive to the Annual Set.
