King’s and Queen’s Coronation medals have long been an important part of the ceremonial occasion of a new monarch being crowned. They are designed especially for the occasion to reflect the solemnity and majesty of the ceremony, which is one that happens very infrequently and only following the death or abdication of the previous king or queen. This rarity makes some Coronation medals, particularly those that are older and still in good condition, highly valuable.
Coronation medals have been struck to mark the Coronation of a new king or queen since 1547, when King Edward VI was crowned. When a monarch reigns for a more significant amount of time, milestones can also be marked by the issuing of jubilee medals. These can also become highly prized collection pieces.
Click to Discover the Coronation Medals
Who gets a Coronation medal?
Both jubilee and coronation medals are presented to key personnel from the armed forces, civilian emergency services, and others who play a key role in making the official Coronation events happen. The tradition of presenting a medal to everyone who attends the Coronation in Westminster Abbey dates back to 1603 and the crowing of King James I.
The number of Coronation medals presented has varied from monarch to monarch. When Charles III was crowned in May 2023, around 400,000 King Charles III Coronation medals were presented to people. In many cases, the silver King Charles III Coronation medal will be carefully preserved and passed down the generations to become a valued family heirloom. A slightly more modest quantity of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation medal was made 70 years before in 1953 – just 130,000.
What does a Coronation medal look like?
There is a large amount of heraldry, symbolism and history included in the design of a Coronation medal. It must reflect the monarch whom it is honouring, as well as symbolism of his or her power and influence. Coronation and jubilee medals are made from precious metals, usually silver, gold or bronze, and are set on ceremonial ribbons to be attached to the wearer’s outfit. Today, they are typically die-struck with designs in relief on both sides. Wording and dates can be added around the edge. Queen’s and King’s Coronation medal designs differ from monarch to monarch, with the style also reflecting the time period in which it was made.
Collecting Coronation medals
Coronation and jubilee medals are considered an honour to receive and, as such, have become collectors’ items for keen numismatists over the years. As with other areas of coin and medal collecting, the value of individual pieces often lies in their age and rarity when working out the answer to ‘how much is a Coronation medal worth?’ Enthusiasts often like to collect sets of coronation medals, for example from consecutive reigning monarchs. First of all, however, it is important to identify two things: what is a coronation medal, and how does it differ from other types of medals and medallions.
From Charles I to Charles III
When King Charles I was crowned in February 1626, a large number of medals were distributed to the public via a method known as ‘the King’s Princely Largess’. This involved the Lord Treasurer of the King’s Household throwing medals into the crowds outside Westminster Abbey, accompanied by the Garter Principal King of Arms and Black Rod. More medals were distributed to spectators lining the route of the royal procession from the Abbey to Westminster Hall.
Discover the Medal: 1626 Coronation of Charles I Historical Medal by N Briot
In a similar fashion, gold and silver medals were thrown to crowds inside Westminster Abbey during King William VI’s Coronation in 1831 and that of Queen Victoria in 1838. The practice was ended, however, by King Edward VII for his Coronation in 1902. He admired the method used for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 when pre-selected recipients received their meals straight after the main service in a private, more dignified ceremony. So, this was also the case for those chosen to receive King Edward VII Coronation medals.
Discover the Medal: 1902 Edward VII Coronation Historical Medallion by E Fuchs
Some notable Coronation medals
The designs for King George IV Coronation medal, the King George V Coronation medal and King George VI Coronation medal were all highly distinctive. They had striking images of the monarch on one side and notable symbols and depictions of mythical or historical scenes on the other. They were made by notable designers of their day.
Other distinctive pieces include the Queen Victoria Coronation medal and Queen Anne Coronation medal, for their commemoration of two female monarchs, each with side-facing bust portraits adorning one side. The Queen Anne Coronation medal’s reverse side depicts strength and valour with the Greek Titan, Pallas, throwing thunder at a two-headed monster. Meanwhile, the Queen Victoria Coronation medal of 1838 showed an equally symbolic scene on its reverse, with Victoria seated, surrounded by stately figures representing Britannia, Justice, Commerce and Industry.
Discover the Medal: 1702 The Coronation of Queen Anne Historical Medallion by J Croker
Discover the Medal: 1838 Victoria Coronation Historical Medallion by J Davis