What Coin is the Queen on?

Introduction

The Canadian quarter with the Queen's portrait.
The Canadian quarter with the Queen’s portrait.

Coins featuring the Queen are a significant part of British, Canadian, and Australian culture. These coins have been in circulation for many years, and their designs have evolved over time. The Queen’s presence on the coins symbolizes the unity and stability of these countries. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and design of these coins and answer the question, “What coin is the queen on?”

The Queen on British Coins

A collection of Australian coins featuring the Queen's portrait.
A collection of Australian coins featuring the Queen’s portrait.

The Queen’s portrait has been featured on British coins since 1952. Her Majesty’s effigy has been updated several times, with the most recent update being in 2015. The current portrait was designed by Jody Clark, who was only 33 years old at the time, making him the first Royal Mint engraver to create a new portrait in over 100 years.

The different designs used on British coins over time reflect the Queen’s changing appearance and her age. The first portrait of the Queen on British coins was designed by Mary Gillick and featured a youthful Queen with a laurel wreath. The second portrait, introduced in 1968, was designed by Arnold Machin and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara. The third portrait, introduced in 1985, was designed by Raphael Maklouf and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara and a necklace.

The different denominations with the Queen’s face on them include the penny, the two pence, the five pence, the ten pence, the twenty pence, the fifty pence, the one pound, and the two-pound coin. The one pound coin features a different design on its reverse side every year, making it a popular coin for collectors.

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The Queen on Canadian Coins

The Queen’s presence on Canadian coins dates back to 1935, when a new coinage act was passed to establish a new Canadian currency. The first portrait of the Queen on Canadian coins was designed by Mary Gillick and featured a youthful Queen with a laurel wreath. The second portrait, introduced in 1965, was designed by Arnold Machin and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara.

Over the years, the different designs used on Canadian coins have changed, including the introduction of commemorative coins to celebrate special events and milestones. The Queen’s portrait features on the following Canadian coins: the penny, the nickel, the dime, the quarter, the fifty-cent coin, the loonie, and the toonie. The loonie and the toonie are unique to Canada and have become iconic symbols of the country.

The Queen on Australian Coins

The Queen’s presence on Australian coins dates back to 1953, the same year as her coronation. The first portrait of the Queen on Australian coins was designed by Mary Gillick and featured a youthful Queen with a laurel wreath. The second portrait, introduced in 1966, was designed by Arnold Machin and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara.

The different designs used on Australian coins over time reflect the Queen’s changing appearance and her age. The third portrait, introduced in 1985, was designed by Raphael Maklouf and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara and a necklace. The fourth portrait, introduced in 1998, was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley and featured a more mature Queen wearing a tiara and a necklace.

The different denominations with the Queen’s face on them in Australia include the five cent, ten cent, twenty cent, fifty cent, one dollar, and two-dollar coin. The one dollar coin features a different design on its reverse side every year, making it a popular coin for collectors. The Queen’s presence on Australian coins serves as a symbol of the country’s historical ties to the British monarchy.

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The Queen on Other Coins

Apart from British, Canadian, and Australian coins, there are several other countries that feature the Queen on their coins. These countries include New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu, and several Caribbean countries like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Barbados. The Queen’s presence on these coins reflects the historical ties between these countries and the British monarchy.

The designs used on these coins vary, with some featuring a portrait of the Queen, while others feature a symbolic representation of the monarchy. For example, the New Zealand dollar features a portrait of the Queen on one side and a Kiwi bird on the other. In contrast, the Bahamian dollar features a sailing ship on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coins featuring the Queen are an essential part of British, Canadian, and Australian culture. The different designs used on these coins reflect the Queen’s changing appearance and the historical ties between these countries and the British monarchy. The Queen’s presence on these coins symbolizes the unity and stability of these countries and serves as a reminder of their rich history. As we have seen, several other countries also feature the Queen on their coins, further highlighting the significance of the monarchy in global culture. At Rich News, we will continue to keep you updated on the latest trends and happenings in the world of coins and cryptocurrencies.

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