2015 Gold Proof Definitive Fourth and Fifth Portrait Collection - 16 Coins

The 2015 Gold Proof Definitive Fourth and Fifth Portrait Collection is a 16-coin set features two sets of gold proof currency coins.

The first set features Ian Rank-Broadley's fourth head portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The second set features the fifth head portrait of Queen Elizabeth designed by Jody Clark.

Both sets contain 22-carat gold proof 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins.

Only 500 of these sets were issued.

Fourth Portrait

Taking inspiration from celebrated engravers of the past such as Benedetto Pistrucci, Ian wanted the portrait to occupy more of the coin's obverse field, consequently giving the regal depiction the impression of increased definition and a bold quality.

Whilst the design took cues from historical artists there was an immediate contrast with the portrait's predecessor, with Ian taking a far more "realistic" approach to his envisionment of the royal figure saying that 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."

A detail that is consistent with those before is the lack of a crown on the Queen’s head, whilst this may cause initial confusion for those unable to distinguish between royal heirlooms, Elizabeth II is in fact adorning the "Girls of Great Britain Tiara" gifted to her majesty as a wedding present Queen Mary.

Fifth Portrait

Wanting to “create a more positive look on the Queen”, Jody created many initial drawings of Elizabeth II, using photos taken of the Queen for sculptures. Taking two weeks to create the submitted design, Jody settled for a “warm expression”, revealing a new side to the regal figure whilst paying homage to her milestone of becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history by showing Elizabeth II adorning her coronation crown.  

The obverse of the coins feature the fourth and fifth portraits of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley and Jody Clark.

The reverse of the coins (except the £1 and £2 coins) show partial images of the shield of arms.

The £1 coin shows the full shield, and the £2 coin features the four concentric circles depicting industrial and technological improvements from the Iron Age to the Internet.