Collectors and the general public are vying for numismatic material related to the late Queen Elizabeth II after the long-reigning monarch died on Sept. 8. The queen’s death followed a 70-year, 214-day reign, during which she became Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Her numismatic legacy spans the Commonwealth of Nations, a collection of more than 50 countries, including Canada, which she headed throughout her time on the throne. Her effigy has appeared on at least 33 different worldwide currencies – more than any other monarch – including many billions of Canadian coins and nearly 20 of the country’s banknotes. Her death brings with it a “new era in the history of the Mint and of Canadian numismatics,” according to a recent statement from the Royal Canadian Mint. In the transition to this new age, one in which the late queen’s son and newly named King Charles III will serve as the monarch, dealers have seen an increased demand for queen-related coins and banknotes. Continue reading →
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 at age 25 before presiding over the Commonwealth of Nations, including Canada, for seven decades. She celebrated her platinum jubilee earlier this year.
