Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II – The Second Effigy £5 Copper-Nickel 2026
Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II – The Second Effigy £5 Copper-Nickel 2026 Brilliant Uncirculated is a unique entry in the series dedicated to five effigies of the Queen, offering investors and collectors an elegant Brilliant Uncirculated standard coin made from a durable copper-nickel alloy. The £5 denomination coin from 2026 combines The Royal Mint’s craftsmanship with the rich history of Queen Elizabeth II’s portraits, paying tribute to a reign that lasted over seven decades. It weighs 28.28 grams, measures 38.61 mm in diameter, and features a striking contrast between the mirror-like relief and the satin background, typical of BU issues with outstanding detail clarity.
The coin was produced by The Royal Mint, based in Llantrisant, Wales, tracing over a thousand years of minting tradition in the British Isles. The “Portraits of a Queen” series presents a collection of five portraits of Elizabeth II that appeared on British coinage since the adoption of decimal currency in 1971. The second issue focuses on Arnold Machin’s design—an artist who created the first crowned portrait in 1963, used until 1985. The Brilliant Uncirculated version stands out for its unprecedented production quality, ensuring durability and numismatic elegance while maintaining an attractive price and unlimited mintage.
The remastered design by Gordon Summers depicts the Queen wearing a coronet whose ornamentation references royal gifts—the coronet features festoons and pointillé peaks modeled after the tiara presented by Queen Mary. With its satin-finished background and polished reliefs, every detail is perfectly visible without magnification. Brilliant Uncirculated strikes the ideal balance between reflective shine and the robustness required for long-term storage and display in a collector’s presentation pack.
Obverse features the official portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Martin Jennings. The design shows the monarch’s profile surrounded by the inscriptions “CHARLES III · D·G·REX · F·D · 5 POUNDS · 2026,” highlighting dynastic continuity and modern historical context. Obverse designer: Martin Jennings.
Reverse presents the updated Arnold Machin portrait of Elizabeth II, remastered by Gordon Summers, Chief Engraver of The Royal Mint. The image of the Queen wearing the coronet showcases the diadem details and delicate facial features in Brilliant Uncirculated technique, combining a satin background with polished relief to emphasize depth and compositional harmony. Reverse designer: Gordon Summers.