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.
To celebrate her life and legacy, on the 125th anniversary of her birth, a new gold sovereign coin has been struck. This is the first sovereign coin ever to feature The Queen Mother’s portrait! It’s hard to imagine that the Queen Mother would not, at some stage in her 101 years, have featured on a gold sovereign, so significant was her contribution to the Royal Family and so beloved was she by the British public.
However, the first commemorative gold sovereign coin was issued in 1989, by which time The Queen Mother was already 89 years of age! In fact, during The Queen Mother’s lifetime there were only two different commemorative sovereigns released. Although released more frequently today, they still require an event of ‘suitable significance’ to receive approval. This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Queen Mother’s birth, and this has received the necessary governmental and Palace approvals to allow for the striking of this ‘first of a kind’ gold sovereign.
Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, known as ‘the woman of the century’
Born the Honourable Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on 4th August 1900, she became part of the British Royal Family when she married Prince Albert in 1923. Albert was not expected to reign but, due to the shock abdication of his brother King Edward VIII in 1936, went on to become King George VI. As the daughter of the Earl of Strathmore, Elizabeth’s Scottish ancestry helped secure the unity of England and Scotland within the United Kingdom.
Known both for her charm and determination, Queen Elizabeth played a vital stabilising role during the 1936 abdication crisis, her calm presence and popularity helping to steady public confidence as her husband reluctantly assumed the crown to become King George VI. Her courage and optimism during World War Two earned her widespread admiration as she shared in the hardships of the British people. Refusing to leave London even during the Blitz, she famously stated: “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave the King. And the King will never leave.”
Following George VI’s death in 1952, Elizabeth became known as the ‘Queen Mother’, a unique title created to distinguish her from her daughter, the young Queen Elizabeth II, to whom she provided invaluable guidance after decades of experience in royal life.
Partly because she was born in the year 1900, and partly because she lived through the 20th century in its entirety, The Queen Mother became known as ‘the woman of the century’.
Millions still cherish the memory of the Queen Mother, which is why this year’s commemoration is so fitting.
Admired for her grace, resilience and sense of duty, the Queen Mother remains an esteemed figure in British history, which is why it’s important that her legacy lives on for future generations. Now, on the 125th anniversary of her birth, we have the opportunity to ‘right this wrong’ and pay tribute to her life and memory.
It may surprise you to learn that the Queen Mother has never before appeared on gold sovereign coins! During her considerable life time the issue of commemorative sovereign coins was very rare – in fact, just two issues were made during her 101 years. Now, for this year’s 125th anniversary of her birth, permission has been granted for the issue of a sovereign celebrating her life and service.
The Queen Mother’s portrait appears on a gold sovereign for the first time ever!
This new gold sovereign carries a warm, front-facing portrait of her as matriarch of the family. The portrait, by accomplished designer Jody Clark (who also designed the portrait of the king on the obverse side) depicts her regally decked in heirloom jewels with a characteristically open countenance and just the hint of a smile.
Her beloved grandson, who is now His Majesty King Charles III, appears on the obverse side in a portrait by the very same designer, Jody Clark. The fact that this coin is one of the rare occasions where the portraits of two different members of the Royal Family are by the same designer, and that this is the first time ever these two royals have appeared on both sides of gold coins will only heighten the interest in them.
The Queen Mother has appeared on other coins in the past, but this is the first time she has ever featured on a gold sovereign! So, not only will this coin appeal to buyers of world-firsts, but it will also be in demand from Royal Portrait collectors. It is for these reasons we are anticipating considerable demand.
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.
