At the time of her death on Sept. 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch in the history of the British throne. Her death is one of the most significant world events of the year. Queen Elizabeth has appeared on Canadian paper money and coins since she acceded to the throne, and in some cases, even before. Interest in purchasing Queen Elizabeth coins has increased substantially since her death.
Why Has Interest in Queen Elizabeth Coins For Sale Increased?
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign lasted over 70 years. She has been the only monarch most Canadians have ever known. As with her forebear Queen Victoria, whose record-setting reign Queen Elizabeth surpassed in 2015, Her Majesty’s passing marks the end of an era. Some people seek out coins bearing her likeness out of nostalgia for days gone by.
Since Canada started minting its own coins, the reigning monarch has always graced the obverse of each denomination. With King Charles III taking the throne following his mother’s death, the obverse of Canadian coins will undergo a redesign soon. There are some collectors who wish to take possession of Queen Elizabeth’s coins to preserve the past. Others are completionists who wish to preserve coins featuring every monarch; these collectors will be equally eager to obtain coins featuring King Charles’ portrait.
Queen Elizabeth represents many things to many people. When she was young, the prospect of her becoming queen seemed unlikely as her father was the second son of King George V and her uncle was heir to the throne. When Edward VIII abdicated, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI and Elizabeth became the new heir. Many admire the quiet determination with which Elizabeth embraced her duties as queen. Some look to her as a role model for powerful women seeking recognition in a patriarchal society, balancing work and family. Others admire her willingness to take an active role in the betterment of her people and country, such as her military service as a mechanic and driver during World War II. The Queen’s many admirers may seek out coins and banknotes featuring her likeness as a keepsake, something to show their children and grandchildren when they speak of their admiration for her.
What Types of Queen Elizabeth Coins and Banknotes Are People Looking For?
Over the years, the Royal Canadian Mint has released many commemorative coins relating to Queen Elizabeth and specific events in her history, such as her coronation. In the wake of the Queen’s passing, many collectors are actively seeking coins commemorating such events, including Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, an unprecedented event that took place earlier this year.
Over the course of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, there have occasionally been updates to her effigy, which is the portrait featured on the obverse of the coin. When she first took the throne, Queen Elizabeth was a young woman, and her effigy at the time reflected that. As the Queen aged, her effigy was periodically changed to reflect her maturity. Some people want to collect coins bearing each of the effigies to represent every era of the Queen’s reign.
While Queen Elizabeth has appeared on Canadian paper money since the beginning of her reign, she has not always appeared on every denomination in every new series of bills. Her Majesty typically appeared on the 20-dollar bill at least in each new series, even if she did not appear on any other denomination. This tradition began, perhaps unintentionally, in 1935. This was the Bank of Canada’s first series that featured the still-reigning King George V and many members of the Royal Family. Then-Princess Elizabeth was 8 years old at the time.
Where To Find Coin Collecting Supplies Near Me?
Coin-collecting supplies make it easier to organize, protect, and display your collectibles. Colonial Acres offers supplies as well as coins and banknotes.