2022 King Charles III Queen Elizabeth II Memorial 1kg Silver Proof Coin

These 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial 1kg Silver Proof Coins commemorate the life of the late queen. Issued by the Royal Mint, the coins feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by John Bergdahl. 

These 2022-dated coins are some of the first UK coins to feature King Charles III on the obverse - the first time a new monarch has appeared on the obverse of a UK coin in 70 years. This new design is by British sculptor, Martin Jennings, and shows a left-facing king.

These one kilogram silver coins are struck from 999 fine silver. Each coin contains 32.151 troy ounces of the precious metals. These proof coins are issued in presentation boxes, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Royal Mint. 

These coins have a maximum mintage of 502 coins and a limited edition presentation of just 500 coins. 

Queen Elizabeth II

On the afternoon of 8th September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral. The news broke around 6:30pm BST as messages of condolences from world leaders flooded in.

Mourners paid their respects by leaving floral tributes, Paddington Bear teddies and cards outside the Queen’s palaces and castles.

The state funeral took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September. She was laid to rest at St. George's Chapel, alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and her sister, Princess Margaret.

King Charles III

Upon the death of his mother, the crown automatically passed to Prince Charles, who assumed the title of King Charles III. The Accession Council proclaimed him king on Saturday 10th September 2022. His coronation will be held in 2023.  

The obverse features a new coinage portrait of King Charles III. The new effigy was designed by British sculptor, Martin Jennings. The king is shown facing left, the opposite of Queen Elizabeth II's right-facing portrait. The Latin inscription reads:

• CHARLES III • D • G • REX • F • D • 500 POUNDS • 2022

The initials stand for "DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR", meaning "BY THE GRACE OF GOD, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH".

The reverse was designed by John Bergdahl and the Royal Mint. It shows a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The text reads:

ELIZABETH REGINA 1922 - 2022