2022 Elizabeth II Memorial Gold Quintuple BU Matt Finish - NGC MS-70

These 2022 Gold BU Elizabeth II Memorial Quintuple Matt Sovereign Coins have been slabbed and graded as MS-70 First Releases by NGC. They hold the distinction of being the first coins to showcase King Charles III on the obverse side.

On the reverse, you'll find the Royal Coat of Arms designed by Jody Clark, serving as a fitting tribute to the late monarch.

• Manufactured by The Royal Mint
• First Release Edition
• NGC Grade: MS-70
• First BU £5 to feature King Charles III
• 22 carat gold / 916.7 fineness
• Contains 1.1770 troy ounces (36.612g) of the precious metal
• Exempt from Capital Gains Tax
• Weight: 39.94g
• Diameter: 36.02mm

View the full 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Sovereign Series.

Who Engraved the First UK Definitive Coinage Portrait of Charles III?

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022, Martin Jennings sculpted and designed the new King Charles III definitive coinage portrait.

Jennings was born in 1957. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1979, where he studied English Literature and Language. Afterwards, Jennings undertook a course in Lettering (1979-80).

What Is a Mint State Strike?

NGC defines mint states as the following based upon the Sheldon Grading Scale:

Mint State. Coins struck in the same format as circulation issues. Applies to grades 60 to 70.

MS-70 NGC Grade

NGC employs a numeric grading system to concisely depict the condition of a coin without any issues. This internationally recognised scale, established in the 1940s, spans from 1 to 70, encompassing various available numeric grades. As the numeric grade ascends, it indicates an enhanced condition of the coin.

NGC defines a MS/PF 70 as:

A coin with no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.

What Is a Matt Finish on a Coin?

The matt finish appears on specific coins to create a non-reflective surface. This effect is accomplished by subjecting the dies to sandblasting before the hardening process takes place.

Queen Elizabeth II

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

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 not be held until 2023.  

The obverse features the first coinage portrait of HM King Charles III facing to the left, designed by Martin Jennings. Also, the coin will bear an inscription that reads as:

CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF ·

Designed by artist, Jody Clark, the reverse features a new depiction of the Royal Coat of Arms. 

The Royal Arms consist of a quartered shield of the United Kingdom held by two supporters, the lion of England and the unicorn of Scotland. The shield is surmounted by a royal crown, topped by a golden lion. 

The Order of the Garter, reading 'HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE' is just visible behind the shield. This French motto is roughly interpreted as “EVIL BE TO HIM WHO EVIL THINKS THEREOF”. 

An intricate pattern appears in the background, with the floral emblems of England (rose), Scotland (thistle) and Ireland (shamrock) in the lower field. 

At the bottom of the design, the motto "DIEU ET MON DROIT", meaning "GOD AND MY RIGHT" can be found, with the date '2022'.