Queen Elizabeth II The Third Effigy 2026 UK

During the long reign of Elizabeth II, a total of five portraits of this beloved queen appeared on British coins. Her third portrait is featured on the third commemorative coin in a series from The Royal Mint.

The third official portrait of Elizabeth II on coins began to be used in 1985. The work of British sculptor Raphael Maklouf represented a significant shift towards a ceremonial and representative style. The Queen was depicted formally and majestically – wearing a tiara, necklace, and earrings. Unlike the previous two busts, this portrait ended at the neck. The artist, who was criticized for portraying the Queen too youthfully, emphasized that his goal was to create a timeless symbol of the monarchy, not a realistic portrait. Time proved him right – the portrait was used until the end of the 1990s, and in Fiji even until 2010.

The period portrait of Elizabeth II, created by medallist Raphael Maklouf, was remastered in 2026 by engraver Gordon Summers. The profile of the monarch on the reverse is surrounded by rays symbolizing eternity and elegance. The obverse side of the coin is dedicated to the attributes of the issuer – i.e., 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 of 5 POUNDS (GBP).

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