A remarkable piece of numismatic history is set to make waves in the auction world as “The Crown Coin: Her Masterpiece” prepares for its sale at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin in the U.K. later this month. Known as one of the most valuable coins globally, this extraordinary artifact was last appraised at £16 million (approximately $21.8 million) in 2022. Yet, it carries a more conservative pre-sale estimate of between £2 million and £3 million ($2.7 million to $4 million). Experts believe its final sale price could far exceed this estimate.
The coin was minted by the East India Company to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Weighing in at an impressive 3.61 kilograms of pure 24-karat gold, it is adorned with an astounding 6,426 diamonds, which cumulatively weigh nearly 484 carats.
On the reverse side, the design features a diamond-encrusted Union Jack, while the obverse showcases a two-pound gold coin valued at £10,000. Surrounding this impressive centerpiece are ten one-ounce coins that display official portraits of the late queen alongside motifs representing her six virtues: Truth, Justice, Charity, Courage, Victory, and Constancy. The expert craftsmanship is evident in the intricate diamond settings that reflect the style of three of the queen’s beloved tiaras.
The making of this coin was no small feat, requiring over 2,800 hours of labor, with contributions from more than 80 artisans and master jewelers across eight countries. The design originated in Britain but underwent further refinement in Sri Lanka. The minting took place in Germany and the Netherlands, along with engraving in Singapore and assembly in India. The diamonds used were cut and polished in Australia, South Africa, and Canada, with final certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the U.S. This international collaboration represents the global reach of the late monarch and the unity she inspired.
A spokesperson from Stanley Gibbons Baldwin described “The Crown Coin: Her Masterpiece” as standing alongside the most notable achievements in numismatic history, including the legendary 1,000 Tola Gold Mohur of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and renowned commemorative pieces honoring European royalty. They emphasized that this coin is a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to a monarch whose reign is unparalleled.
The auction will take place both live at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s flagship location in London and online on September 25. Should the Crown Coin fetch close to its previous valuation of $21 million, it would not only garner immense interest but also break the current world record held by the infamous 1933 Double Eagle, which sold for $18.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. The upcoming auction is set to become a significant event in the world of collectible coins.
