Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Silver Coin

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch. She reigned for over 70 years, from 6 February 1952 until her death during her Platinum Jubilee year at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, on 8 September 2022. On 28 May 1953 she was proclaimed ‘Queen of New Zealand’, the first monarch to be so designated.

The Queen was universally recognised and admired. She was the most photographed woman in the world and her image appeared on postage stamps, coinage and banknotes issued by New Zealand and in her other realms and territories.

Featuring a portrait in colour, this coin commemorates the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. The design is inspired by the scalloped patterns on Her Late Majesty’s coronation dress along with its intricate circular beading.

The seven inner ‘pinnacle’ shapes are reminiscent of both the scalloped patterns and the English Tudor rose as well as the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.

Each coin in this issue features a portrait of King Charles III on the obverse. Wellington designer and illustrator Stephen Fuller developed the effigy to be used on New Zealand commemorative coins, and it was personally approved by the King.