2022 £2 Memorial Proof · NGC PF70 Ultra Cameo

The 2022 Memorial Double Sovereign was issued by The Royal Mint following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the transition to the reign of King Charles III. Struck in 22 carat gold to Proof standard, this historic issue represents the first Double Sovereign to feature the coinage portrait of the new monarch. The obverse features the first definitive portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings, with His Majesty facing left in accordance with the long standing tradition of successive British monarchs facing alternating directions on their coinage.

The reverse departs from the traditional St George and the Dragon design, instead featuring Jody Clark's interpretation of the Royal Arms. Created specifically for the Memorial Sovereign collection, the design incorporates the crowned shield of the United Kingdom supported by the lion and unicorn and was introduced as a tribute to the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

This example has been professionally graded by NGC and awarded PF70 Ultra Cameo, the highest numerical grade available for a Proof coin. The Ultra Cameo designation recognises the strong contrast between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields characteristic of a high quality Proof strike. Combining the first coinage portrait of King Charles III, the special Memorial Royal Arms reverse and the larger Double Sovereign format, the 2022 issue represents a distinctive moment in modern British Sovereign history.