The Mother and Son First Coinage Collection 1953 and 2023 brings together the first coins of Queen Elizabeth II and her son and successor, His Majesty King Charles III, produced in the years of their respective coronations in 1953 and 2023. Struck 70 years apart, these coins celebrate the special relationship between mother and son, and the role The Royal Mint has in producing coins for a new reign.

This set includes a half-crown, florin, shilling, sixpence, threepence, penny, halfpenny and a farthing struck in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II held her coronation. The reverse designs on these coins were mainly heraldic in theme and only certain denominations had their designs changed at the start of Her Majesty’s reign. The first coinage portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appeared on the obverse, designed by Mary Gillick.

The commemorative crown produced to celebrate the coronation of Her Majesty is also included as part of this set. The obverse features an equestrian portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on her horse Winston as designed by Gilbert Ledward. The reverse features a design by Edgar Fuller and Cecil Thomas which later appeared on a memorial 50p coin in 2022 after the sad passing of Elizabeth II.

The coins of King Charles III included in this set include the eight definitive UK coins of his reign, from the 1p through to the £2. Each of these coins feature new designs on the reverse based on naturalistic themes. The obverse includes a special privy mark of a Tudor crown which only appears on the first coins struck in 2023.

A commemorative £5 or crown featuring a special crowned portrait of King Charles III is also included as part of this set. The crowned portrait distinguishes this commemorative issue crown from the circulating coins. The acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings designed both the crowned portrait and the official coinage portrait of His Majesty.