The Commonwealth realms
As the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms mourn the sad loss of their queen in September 2022 after coins and banknotes featuring her effigy have circulated for the past seven decades, here comes an unmissable monetary retrospective via a series of articles dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip and Elizabeth II leaving Queensland (1954)
Queensland State Archives (Public domain)
In addition to the crown of the United Kingdom placed upon the head of the reigning British King or Queen, he or she is also de facto monarch of a number of sovereign states located around the world, under the banner of the Commonwealth.
The monarch is represented by a governor-general and, as in the case of the UK, reigns but does not govern.
In 2022, there are 15 Commonwealth realms including the United Kingdom, with some 20 countries having declared independence over the years. These include, for example, India in 1950 and, far more recently, Barbados in 2021.
Here comes a selection of truly Elizabethan coins issued by the Commonwealth realms over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Coin New Zealand
Elizabeth II, 2 Dollars, 1996, AU(55-58), Aluminum-Bronze
Coin Canada
Elizabeth II, 20 Dollars, 1967, Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa
Coin Canada
Elizabeth II, 100 Dollars, 1976, Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa
Coin Jamaica
Elizabeth II, 25 Dollars, 1978, Franklin Mint, Proof, MS(65-70)
Coin New Zealand
Elizabeth II, 10 Cents, 2006, MS(64), Copper Plated Steel
Coin Papua New Guinea
Kina, 1979, Franklin Mint, Proof, MS(63), Copper-nickel
Coin Papua New Guinea
Toea, 1976, Franklin Mint, MS(65-70), Bronze, KM:1
Coin Papua New Guinea
10 Kina, 1976, Franklin Mint, Proof, MS(65-70), Silver
