Portraits of a Queen – 2026 Elizabeth II Effigy Collection: Full Guide
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The Royal Mint’s Portraits of a Queen collection brings together the five official effigies of Elizabeth II across premium proof issues. Below you will find each portrait with its release month, the story behind the design and practical buying tips so you can plan ahead and secure the right pieces for your collection.
Each coin in the Portraits of a Queen series carries an exceptionally low mintage of just 150 pieces worldwide, making them some of the rarest modern proof issues from The Royal Mint. The First Effigy release sold out almost instantly, and even before delivery secondary market prices have already surged well above the original launch price. This trend suggests that demand will remain intense across all five effigies, with collectors and investors competing to secure complete sets.
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1. First Effigy – Available now
Designer. Mary Gillick, introduced 1953. A youthful, classical profile used on early post-coronation coinage. Much loved for its simplicity and historic significance.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Live now but sold our instantly. |
| Finish | Proof. Boxed with COA. |
| Why collectors want it | Begins the set. Strong historic pull. Often the fastest to sell. |
Royal Mint reference page: First Effigy 2026.
2. Second Effigy – November 2025
Designer. Arnold Machin, introduced 1968. Shows the Queen wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. One of the most widely seen portraits worldwide.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Expected November 2025. |
| Finish | Proof. Boxed with COA. |
| Collector note | Iconic profile that defined late-60s and 70s coinage. Expect strong demand in top grades. |
3. Third Effigy – December 2025
Designer. Raphael Maklouf, introduced 1985. A more formal, sculptural portrait with the royal diadem and rich detail in hair and regalia.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Expected December 2025. |
| Finish | Proof. Boxed with COA. |
| Collector note | Detail suits deep cameo proofs. Good candidate for PF70 if surfaces are clean and haze free. |
4. Fourth Effigy – January 2026
Designer. Ian Rank-Broadley, introduced 1998. A realistic, mature portrait with stronger facial definition that many collectors favour for accuracy.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Expected January 2026. |
| Finish | Proof. Boxed with COA. |
| Collector note | Popular for modern type sets. Watch for hairlines in the open fields under bright light. |
5. Fifth Effigy – February 2026
Designer. Jody Clark, introduced 2015. Final effigy of Elizabeth II during her reign, featuring the Royal Diamond Diadem with a balanced, modern style.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Expected February 2026. |
| Finish | Proof. Boxed with COA. |
| Collector note | Completes the five-part run. Registry builders will seek uniform grades across the set. |
Royal Mint reference page for the five-coin option: Five-Coin Collection 2026.
Grading and conservation
Proofs can show faint haze from storage. Inspect mirrors and frosting under strong light. If the coin is otherwise superb, professional conservation before grading can help. Aim for clean fields and deep cameo contrast to support PF69 or PF70 outcomes.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mirrors | Clear, mark free fields support top grades. |
| Frosting | Strong contrast is preferred by collectors. |
| Handling | Avoid sleeve rubs or lint on proofs before submission. |
| Packaging | Complete sets with tidy cases are easier to sell. |
Buying tips and outlook
Decide early if you want the full five or a highlight portrait. If building a graded run, try to keep grades consistent across the set. If you miss a release window, watch specialist dealers for fresh stock and graded examples.
1. Watch our graded arrivals: Graded Coins.
2. Sell or part exchange: Sell to Us.
3. Ask for alerts or pricing: Contact Sovara Coins.
FAQ
Do the coins share a uniform design style?
Yes. Each issue focuses on a specific effigy with a consistent proof treatment so a five-coin set looks coherent in a display or registry.
Will mintages be low?
Royal Mint proof runs in series like this are usually limited. This particular series consists of just 150 coins per portrait.
Is a five-coin set better than singles?
Sets appeal to collectors who like cohesion. Singles are more accessible and can be targeted in top grade if you prefer highlights.
1. Great Engravers: view coins.
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3. Selling to Sovara: get an offer.
