Description
2025 marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Queen Mother, whose resilience and grace during the most turbulent chapters of the 20th century made her a beloved public figure. She lived for a remarkable 101 years, fifty of those as a widow, and remained active in public life until her death in 2002.
The Queen Mother’s role in stabilising the British monarchy during the abdication crisis, her steadfast support of the king during World War Two, and her invaluable advice to Elizabeth II throughout her reign cannot be overstated.
Often referred to affectionately as ‘The Queen Mum’, she was greatly admired for her grace, resilience and unwavering sense of duty, all delivered with a cheerful countenance and characteristic charm. As matriarch of the modern Royal Family, The Queen Mother’s influence was considerable, not least because she lived to the grand age of 101 and remained active in public life until her death in 2002.
Now, on the 125th anniversary of her birth, we have the opportunity her honour her legacy with two new gold sovereign coins – a one sovereign and a five pound sovereign.
Commemorative sovereigns only began in 1989, by which time The Queen Mother was already aged 89, and just two were released during her lifetime. This helps explain why such a beloved royal figure has only now been commemorated on a gold sovereign for the first time.
The release of The 2025 Queen Mother 125th Anniversary Five and One Sovereign Set in this special anniversary year is a long-overdue tribute to her remarkable life and memory.
Authorised by Tristan Da Cunha and approved by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Buckingham Palace, it is a wonderful tribute to the Queen Mother.