On Saturday 6th May, we are to bear witness to an event that has not been seen since 1937: the coronation of Britain’s new king, Charles III, and of his wife Camilla, as queen. The crowning of a new British monarch is an event that most of us will only ever see once. We now know that at the ceremony, we will see not only the crowning of King Charles III but also that of his wife who shall henceforth become known as Queen Camilla. This change to her titles is a sign of the deep affection the king has for the woman who is by his side.
Some truly exceptional coins had been proposed for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. They feature portraits of both the King and his new Queen, but given how rarely permission has ever been granted for multiple portraits on gold sovereigns, we did not hold out much hope. Now, we are delighted, if even a little shocked, that these coins have indeed been approved by Buckingham Palace! Introducing the 2023 King Charles III Coronation Double Portrait Gold Sovereign Range, and in particular, the one-eighth sovereign…
To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, where his wife and new Queen, Camilla, will be by his side, these sovereign coins have been announced and are the first ever to depict a reigning British king and queen together.
There have only ever been two occasions on which monarchs have appeared alongside someone else on sovereign coins. It’s usually a predecessor, although in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II she did appear alongside her husband Prince Philip. Never before though, has a reigning king and queen appeared on the same coin – that is until now.
Our new King, Charles III, is the ninth monarch to have sovereigns bearing his portrait – but never before has a reigning king appeared with his queen. This is also the first sovereign upon which Queen Camilla has appeared. The skilful portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla are by Jody Clark, designer of the fifth (and final) coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
The reverse design features the official Coronation Emblem which pays tribute to the four countries of the United Kingdom, bringing together roses, thistles, shamrocks and daffodils into the shape of the St Edward’s Crown. These new coins mark the incredible moment that Britain crowns a new king and queen – the first time this has happened in over eighty years. These first-of-their-kind coins anchor this moment in history.
Featuring a portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla by artist Jody Clark, with the Coronation Emblem on the reverse, this is the first one-eighth sovereign ever to feature a reigning British king and queen, side by side on the same coin. Secure yours HERE.