With King Charles's coronation coming up on September 6, 2023, it's interesting to take a look back at the last coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the memorabilia that was created to commemorate this historic event. As collectors and vintage enthusiasts know, coronation memorabilia is highly sought after, with rare items fetching high prices at auction. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most valuable and interesting items from the Queen's coronation and give you an idea of what they're worth today. So, whether you're a collector, a history buff, or just curious, read on to discover the fascinating world of coronation memorabilia.
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, was a historic event that captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. It was a time of great pageantry, ceremony, and celebration, and it remains one of the most significant events in modern British history.
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. It was a grand and elaborate ceremony, watched by millions of people around the world. In the months leading up to the coronation, manufacturers and designers were hard at work creating a wide range of commemorative items, including medals, coins, stamps, pottery, and other collectibles.
If you're a vintage enthusiast or a collector, you may own a piece of this history with rare and valuable coronation memorabilia. Here are some of the most sought-after items, along with their current market value:
Coronation Medals
One of the most popular types of coronation memorabilia is medals. These were produced in large numbers and were available to the general public at the time of the coronation. The medals came in different sizes, metals, and designs. The most common metal used was bronze, with some being silver or gold. The obverse of the medals usually featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse featured the coronation date and the words "Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II."
One of the rarest and most valuable coronation medals is the gold medal designed by Gilbert Bayes. Only 13 gold medals were produced, and they were presented to members of the Royal family and other VIPs. Today, a gold coronation medal can fetch around £8,000 at auction.
Coronation Coins
Coins are another popular type of coronation memorabilia. The Royal Mint produced a range of coins to commemorate the coronation, including crown, half-crown, florin, and shilling coins. The coins featured the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and various designs on the reverse, including the royal coat of arms and the inscription "Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II."
One of the rarest and most valuable coronation coins is the gold sovereign. Only a small number of gold sovereigns were struck to commemorate the coronation, and they were presented to members of the Royal family and other VIPs. Today, a gold coronation sovereign can fetch around £10,000 at auction.
Coronation Stamps
Stamps are a popular collectible for many people, and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was no exception. The British Post Office issued a range of stamps to commemorate the coronation, including a set of four stamps featuring the Queen's portrait and other designs.
One of the rarest and most valuable coronation stamps is the 2 1/2 penny stamp. This stamp was issued in limited quantities and was only available at a few post offices in the United Kingdom. Today, a mint condition 2 1/2 penny coronation stamp can fetch around £500 at auction.
Coronation Pottery
Pottery is another popular type of coronation memorabilia. Many manufacturers produced a wide range of pottery items to commemorate the coronation, including plates, mugs, and figurines. The designs ranged from simple to elaborate, with some featuring portraits of the Queen and others depicting scenes from the coronation ceremony.
One of the most valuable and sought-after pieces of coronation pottery is the Wedgwood coronation plate. Designed by Richard Guyatt, the plate features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in the center, surrounded by scenes from the coronation ceremony. Today, a Wedgwood coronation plate can fetch around £200 at auction.
In addition to the items mentioned above, there are many other types of coronation collectibles that are highly sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts. Some of these items include:
Coronation Programs: Programs were produced for the coronation ceremony and are highly collectible today. The programs include detailed information about the ceremony, along with portraits of the Queen and other members of the Royal family. Today, a coronation program can fetch around £50 at auction.
Coronation Books: Books about the coronation were produced in large numbers, ranging from children's books to coffee table books. Some of the most valuable coronation books are those that were signed by members of the Royal family. Today, a rare signed coronation book can fetch hundreds of pounds at auction.
Coronation Badges: Badges were produced in large numbers and were given to schoolchildren and other members of the public who attended the coronation ceremony. The badges usually feature a portrait of the Queen and the coronation date. Today, a coronation badge can fetch around £20 at auction.
Coronation Glassware: Glassware was produced by several manufacturers to commemorate the coronation. Some of the most valuable pieces include champagne glasses, tumblers, and decanters. Today, a coronation glass can fetch anywhere from £50 to £100 at auction.
Coronation Jewelry: Jewelry was produced to commemorate the coronation, including brooches, pendants, and earrings. Some of the most valuable pieces feature diamonds and other precious gems. Today, a coronation piece of jewelry can fetch thousands of pounds at auction.
It's important to note that the value of coronation memorabilia can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including rarity, condition, and provenance.
To conclude the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was a historic event that produced a wide range of collectible memorabilia. From medals and coins to stamps, pottery, and other collectibles, there is something for everyone in the world of coronation memorabilia. As we look forward to the coronation of King Charles in 2023, it's a great time to take a look back at the last coronation and the wonderful memorabilia that was produced to commemorate this special occasion.
At WeBuyVintage, we specialize in vintage items, including coronation memorabilia. If you are looking to sell your vintage items, we can help. Our team of experts can provide free valuations. If you have any vintage coronation memorabilia that you're looking to sell, get in touch with us or request a Free Postage Pack. We'd be delighted to hear from you.
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