2026 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin

Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926. One hundred years later, The Royal Mint has marked the centenary of her birth with a new collector range, and this quarter-ounce gold proof coin is among its most exclusive pieces — struck to a mintage of just 300 and never made generally available, even to the majority of The Royal Mint's own Mint Marque collectors' club members. The reverse, designed by heraldic artist Timothy Noad, weaves the initials "ER" into an intricate pattern inspired by the ironwork of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle — the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II following her death in September 2022. The design carries the legend "QUEEN ELIZABETH II EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA", a Latin phrase meaning "she shall be exalted in glory", historically used on gold quarter noble coins during the reign of Edward III in the 14th century. Coins across the wider range carry the edge inscription "A LIFE WELL LIVED, A PROMISE WITH DESTINY KEPT". The obverse carries the definitive coinage portrait of King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. This coin is supplied boxed in original Royal Mint presentation packaging with a certificate of authenticity. Coin Highlights Marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2026) Reverse design by heraldic artist Timothy Noad, inspired by the ironwork of St George's Chapel, Windsor — her final resting place Historic Latin legend "QUEEN ELIZABETH II EXALTABITUR IN GLORIA", last used on 14th-century gold quarter nobles Obverse: King Charles III's official coinage portrait by Martin Jennings Standard mirror-proof finish, distinct from the matte proof finish used in the range's dedicated two-coin set Extremely limited mintage of just 300 coins, not made generally available even within the Mint Marque collectors' scheme Struck in fine gold to proof finish by The Royal Mint Supplied boxed with Royal Mint certificate of authenticity Specifications Year 2026 Mint The Royal Mint, Llantrisant Composition 999.9 fine gold (24 carat) Weight 7.80 grams Diameter 22.00 mm Finish Proof (standard mirror finish, not matte) Obverse Designer Martin Jennings (King Charles III) Reverse Designer Timothy Noad Mintage 300 Presentation Boxed with certificate of authenticity Why This Coin Stands Out With a mintage of just 300, this is an exceptionally scarce piece within an already limited commemorative range — smaller than the mintage of the dedicated matte-proof two-coin set version, and restricted enough that most of The Royal Mint's own Mint Marque members never had the opportunity to purchase one. Combined with a design carrying genuine personal and historical resonance, tying Elizabeth II's final resting place to a centuries-old Latin inscription, this is a rare and meaningful piece for any collector marking her centenary. As UK legal tender gold, this coin is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents and free from VAT under current investment gold rules. Browse our full range of graded gold Sovereigns to explore more royal commemorative and centenary gold.