Struck in 2022, this Charles III Memorial Brilliant Uncirculated Five-Sovereign Piece marks the beginning of a new Carolean era while paying tribute to the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. It is among the first Sovereign issues to feature the inaugural coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, released following his accession to the throne in September 2022.

The obverse features Martin Jennings’s first definitive portrait of King Charles III. His Majesty is shown facing left, in keeping with the traditional alternation of direction between successive monarchs on British coinage. The Latin inscription names him as King and Defender of the Faith, continuing a long-established convention at a historic moment of royal succession.

For this Memorial issue, the familiar St George and the dragon reverse is replaced by a special interpretation of the Royal Arms by Jody Clark. The detailed design centres on the crowned quartered shield of the United Kingdom, supported by the Lion of England and the Unicorn of Scotland. It also includes the national floral emblems and the royal motto, DIEU ET MON DROIT, meaning “God and my right”. This unique reverse was created as a dignified tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and provides an important departure from the traditional Sovereign design.

The Five-Sovereign Piece is the largest denomination in the Memorial collection. Struck in 22 carat gold with a distinctive matte finish, it weighs 39.94g and measures approximately 36mm in diameter. The non-reflective finish gives the portraits and heraldic detail a restrained, sculptural quality that differs from the mirrored appearance of a Proof coin.

Independently graded MS70 Matte First Day of Issue, this example has achieved the highest grade awarded by its grading service. The MS70 designation identifies an exceptional specimen with no post-production imperfections visible at five-times magnification, while the First Day of Issue label records certification within the grading service’s designated release window.

The 2022 Charles III Memorial Brilliant Uncirculated Five-Sovereign Piece is a significant modern issue. It combines the first portrait of King Charles III, Jody Clark’s specially commissioned Memorial Royal Arms and the commanding Five-Sovereign format in a lasting record of remembrance and continuity.