Sovereign - Elizabeth II, Fourth Head

Start Year: 1998

End Year: 2015

Sculptor: Ian Rank-Broadley (FRBS)

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This Gold Sovereign features the fourth portrait for Queen Elizabeth II, formerly referred to as "the Old Head" but has now been superseded by a newer portrait. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse of this coin has been used since 1998.  The newer portrait is now in use, from 2015 on some coins and 2016 on all coins - the newer portrait was used on a number of limited edition proof Sovereigns in 2015, but the majority of gold Sovereigns from 2015 will feature the fourth portrait.

Coins bearing the Queen's fourth portrait will show her wearing the Queen Mary button stud pearl earrings and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. The portrait image is the largest of Queen Elizabeth II's five portraits.

The reverse of the coin says ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF which, translated from the latin Dei Gratia Regina means 'By the Grace of God, Queen'. The FID DEF ending means 'Fidei defensor' or Defender of the Faith - a nod to the fact that the Queen is officially the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

The sculptor, Ian Rank-Broadley, explained there was “No need to disguise the matureness of The Queen’s years. There is no need to flatter her. She is a 70-year-old woman with poise and bearing.” He also went on to state that the increased size of portrait reflected her significance in British culture.

If you require a specific year coin please see our selection here.