Fourth Portrait Final Editions released

04 Dec 2014

In celebration of a vintage year for coins, The Royal Mint has released a final collector’s last edition of UK definitive coin annual sets bearing the fourth portrait of Her Majesty The Queen - a constant presence on circulating coins since 1998.

In November 2014, The Royal Mint announced that the fourth definitive coinage portrait of The Queen is to be replaced by a new fifth effigy - an historic event for Britain’s coinage. The Royal Mint is to say farewell to the likeness captured by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS with a final release of The Royal Mint’s Annual Sets for 2015 presented in stylish packaging and accompanied by a certificate authenticating the special edition release.

Each set comprises the definitive coins of the United Kingdom, from the 1p to the £2, each adorned for the last time by the familiar fourth definitive portrait of Her Majesty on the obverse, and is available in four editions; Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, gold Proof or silver Proof.

Speaking about the release of his design in 1998, sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS said, “I hope that in time, I may be regarded as having made a valuable contribution to the rich and varied history of coinage in this country. When I see my initials, IRB, beneath the royal effigy on the coins as a record of my achievement, I feel honoured.”

Shane Bissett, Director of Commemorative Coin, Bullion and Medals at The Royal Mint, says: “The changing of a coinage portrait is an historic occasion - only four previous definitive effigies have featured on the coins we use every day during the 62-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.  As the nation awaits a glimpse of the new effigy, we wanted to offer collectors an exclusive opportunity to own a final celebratory issue of the coins bearing the celebrated fourth portrait.”