Royal Mint are celebrating what would have been Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday by issuing a new special £5 coin, as part of a series of five new designs celebrating major national milestones.
The coin features the late Monarch’s cypher and St Edward’s Crown, framed by foliage inspired by the ironwork of the East Door of St George’s Chapel, where she is laid to rest. Encompassing the design are one hundred beads, symbolising the 100 years since her birth. A Latin inscription, Exaltabitur in gloria (“She will be exalted in glory”), also features on the piece.
Alongside the Elizabeth II tribute coin, the Royal Mint’s 2026 collection marks a range of cultural, scientific and charitable anniversaries. Two new 50p coins celebrate 100 years of the British Grand Prix and 50 years of The King’s Trust. The latter, designed by former Trust beneficiary Jessica Gregorio, reflects optimism, ambition and the charity’s origins through imagery of a flowing stream, sun and clouds.
The collection also includes two new £2 coins: one marking 200 years of the Zoological Society of London – featuring a Sumatran tiger, Socorro dove and partula snail alongside the inscription Restoring wildlife together. Another coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of HMS Beagle, the vessel that famously carried Charles Darwin during his travels and features the inscription: ‘The voyage of the Beagle’.
In a landmark move, the Royal Mint has produced 52 gold versions of the 2026 coins using recycled gold sourced from old jewellery and coins. The initiative is part of the Mint’s commitment to sustainability, with a goal to use only recycled gold in all commemorative coins by the end of 2026.
The Mint’s reformation metals facility in south Wales, which opened in 2024, recovers gold from end‑of‑life electronics such as laptops, TVs and mobile phones. Silver reclaimed from industrial and medical X‑ray films is also used in products including the silver sixpence.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint said: ‘This is an exciting moment for the nation to discover some of the anniversaries that will be celebrated on UK coins in 2026. Whether you’re a royal enthusiast, a motor racing fan, or passionate about conservation, there’s something for everyone in this collection.’
‘Coins have a unique ability to mark a variety of themes that resonate across different communities and interests, creating lasting reminders of the moments and institutions that shape our shared heritage.’
The 2026 commemorative coins will be available to buy from 2nd January 2026 in a range of precious metal and base proof finishes. Prices start at £39.50, with the limited‑edition 22‑carat gold set priced at £14,500. All coins in the collection feature the official coinage portrait of King Charles III on the obverse.
Each coin will be sold individually throughout the year, except for The King’s Trust 50p, which is exclusive to the Mint’s annual set. None of the coins will enter general circulation.
You can purchase the coins here.
