Queen Elizabeth memorabilia: the most valuable collectibles

Dec 29, 2023

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With King Charles III's Coronation taking place soon, here's what people bought to mark his mother's ascension to the throne 70 years ago...

We've always been a nation that loves Coronation memorabilia. From coins to tea towels, mugs to medals – no royal event is marked without some form of souvenir. Indeed, King Charles’ Coronation is being celebrated in the form of t-shirts, teddy bears and musical biscuit tins – and it was much the same for his mother during her accession to the throne 70 years ago.

When Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953, people flocked to the shops for souvenirs. Mugs, jugs and plates were purchased in their thousands, along with plenty of programmes and the occasional ashtray. As Britain entered a state of coronation jubilation, even toy companies got in on the action, producing miniature replicas of key symbols of the day.

While valuable in sentimental terms, most of these items have not increased in financial worth, as so many were made and remain in circulation. However, some well-chosen commemorative pieces are now coveted by collectors, fetching thousands of pounds at auction. We asked the experts which mementos take the crown…

"The pieces popular in 1953 were similar to those that are popular today," notes Stephanie Connell, an antiques dealer who specialises in royal memorabilia. "People sought decorative items for their homes, like mugs, biscuit tins, programmes and replicas of key symbols, like the coronation coach, coronation chair and anointing spoon." Indeed, it's said that over a million matchbox-sized gold state coaches, made by the toy company Lesney, were sold.

Commemorative ceramics – particularly mugs and plates – were another common choice. But renowned British brands like Royal Doulton and Royal Crown Derby also produced limited-edition collectibles, like coronation ‘Loving Cups’ – large decorative drinking vessels, traditionally used for ceremonial occasions.

Souvenir coins were also popular. Around six million special five-shilling pieces – featuring a portrait of the Queen mounted on her horse Winston – were produced by the Royal Mint, the official maker of UK coins. Much rarer are the ‘proof’ (higher quality) versions, of which around forty thousand were made. Today, these sell for up to £500.

"There are a few really rare pieces to look out for," notes Stephanie. "Coronation mugs designed by the artist Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood are highly sought after." These striking pink pieces were first commissioned for the Coronation of Edward VIII, but were withdrawn from circulation following his abdication in 1936. The design was revised for King George VI and later Queen Elizabeth II. "Those for Elizabeth II's Coronation typically fetch over £200, but those produced for King George VI's Coronation can achieve over £3,000," says Stephanie.

Items produced in error and later withdrawn from circulation are particularly valuable. In 1951, toy manufacturer Lesney began producing miniature gold state coaches featuring the then King and Queen. But when the King died suddenly in 1952, his figure was removed. Only around 200 of these original coaches were made, making them much more valuable than later versions. "The going rate for one of these examples is around £600 – five times as much as later models featuring the Queen only," says Phil Mires, founder of PM antiques and collectibles.

Other rare objects include coronation planters featuring a lion and crown motif, designed by renowned florist Constance Spry and designer Oliver Messel. First produced by Fulham Pottery for the Coronation of Edward VIII, the same design was later used for the Coronations of George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. "An example of the Queen Elizabeth II vase was recently sold at auction for a hammer price of £10,000," notes Stephanie.

Bottles of coronation bubbly have also shot up in price. "Moët & Chandon released ‘Coronation Cuvées’ in honour of George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II," notes Laura Hill, Marketing and Sales manager at Hemswell Antique Centres. "Queen Elizabeth's 1953 Coronation Champagne is listed online for between £400 and £600. Although, I bet the bubbles are a bit flat now!"

"The items that are most exciting for us are those that played a part in the Coronation – such as programmes from the event and flags hung up along the Mall," explains Laura.

Likewise, Stephanie looks out for pieces that are as closely associated with the event as possible, particularly chairs and stools that people sat on at Westminster Abbey, which were made available to purchase afterwards. In 1954, the purchase price of a stool was £4.7 shillings and sixpence. Today, they sell for over £500.

More valuable still are pieces given as gifts to mark the occasion: presentation photographs signed by Her Majesty now fetch well over £1,000. But a word of warning: "Be careful with signed pieces from Queen Elizabeth II," says Daniel Wade, Manager at Paul Fraser Collectibles. "Most post-1959 signatures are likely created by the Autopen machine – the Queen's favourite invention!"

There was no such machine in 1838 – the year that Queen Victoria was crowned – and a rare invite, signed by Victoria herself, is currently on sale for £9,995. Indeed, the tradition of creating souvenirs to mark monarchical occasions spans centuries – and, occasionally, commemorative pieces dating back much further appear on the market. "A Delft plate celebrating King Charles II restoration in the 1600s sold for over £100,000 over a decade ago," says Stephanie. "And you can find even earlier pieces. Medals have been made to commemorate coronations since that of Edward VI in 1547. One of these coin-like medals sold for £30,000 at auction in 2014."

"I suggest buying the best quality pieces you can afford," says Stephanie. "And if you see something unusual or produced in small numbers, those pieces may be desirable in the future."

"Ceramics made by historic studios or companies with royal warrants are worth considering," adds Alexandra Michell, Assistant Manager and Appraiser at Prestige Pawnbrokers. For ceramics, she suggests people look to Royal Doulton and Royal Crown Derby. The latter has produced a £215 limited-edition plate gilded in 22-carat gold. Wedgwood, meanwhile, has produced a £95 bone china mug, inspired by a 1953 design by Richard Guyatt.

Limited edition coins by the Royal Mint also come recommended by Alexandra, who points out that precious metals such as gold or platinum have added value. "Official pieces from recognisable brands are a good start, as these can be verified and authenticated easily," she says. "Just be careful of fakes," adds Laura. "Coins should have certification with them, while ceramics should have a maker's mark stamped on the base."

Elsewhere, Pentreath & Hall's collection of decoupage plates and Emma Bridgewater's celebratory ceramics get Stephanie's seal of approval, alongside prints by artist Clare Curtis and silk scarves by designer Rory Hutton — both available at the National Portrait Gallery.

"It's difficult to predict what the market will be like in the future, so the best advice is to buy what you like in the first instance," she says. "Really, it's all about owning a piece of history."

Fortnum's has long been a go-to for memorabilia to mark special royal occasions. This biscuit tin is adorned with a beautiful design to mark His Majesty's Coronation. What's more, it's a musical tin, so plays God Save The King as it spins.

Now here's a celebration of the new King and British pottery, as this bold coronation plate by Emma Bridgewater is handcrafted and painted in Emma's factory in Stoke on Trent. Plus, the brand is currently offering 30% off its coronation range, making this a bargain — too!

Another stunning mug, this design is crafted from fine bone china and hand-decorated by artisans at English potteries. It features a Royal Oak design and marks this year: "2023."

A sweet (very literally) way to commemorate the coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, this set of 12 decorated lemon biscuits from The Biscuiteers includes edible versions of St Edward's Crown, The Sovereign's Orb, The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and Westminster Abbey, among other things. After enjoying its contents, hold onto the metal tin as a coronation keepsake.

For something a little different — and to add a subtle touch of elegance to your home — this candle is just stunning. It's scented with white lily and jasmine and housed in a handmade fine bone china decorative votive — which you can keep for years to come.

Toast the reign of the King with these beautiful champagne flutes, both of which are engraved with the Royal Cyphers of His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

This bag for life marks the monumental occasion of the King's Coronation. The design adopts traditional Fortnum's colours with a celebratory message for the event. Plus, it's 100% plastic free.

Commemorate Charles' big day for many years – and rounds of washing-up – to come with this colourful tea towel.

You can never go wrong with a tea towel to mark a special occasion! We love this one — which showcases a traditional and iconic Fortnum's design alongside a celebratory message.

This lovely t-shirt is a wonderful memento for children celebrating the coronation. It's available in a range of age options.

These tumbler glasses are as practical as they are pretty. Adorned with Royal Cypher engraving, use them for your favourite drinks for years to come.

This lovely cake stand from M&S is ideal for displaying your cakes and bakes over the coronation weekend — and for keeping as a practical souvenir afterwards.

Enjoy the tasty inside this biscuit tin and you'll also get a decorative tin to keep as a souvenir for years to come. What's not to love?

This coronation mug features a classic blue and white design alongside the year of the coronation.

For a piece of memorabilia that you can display on yourself or in the home — this silk scarf is simply beautiful. Handmade in The Pennines from luxurious silk — it celebrates the Coronation of Her Majesty, the Queen Consort.

Planning to bake a show-stopping cake for your coronation party? The only way to serve it is on this vibrant ceramic cake stand by Emma Bridgewater.

This stylish blue velvet cushion is patterned with a sweet design of dogs dressed up to celebrate the coronation! It's both cute and trendy.

This commemorative tin is the best of both worlds — offering luxurious Darjeeling tea encased in a keepsake tin.

We love this bold tea towel, also from Emma Bridgewater, which features a celebratory trumpet and fireworks in the background. It's almost too nice for the washing up, we think...

If you're a keen baker, then this is the perfect piece of Coronation memorabilia. After you've eaten the delicious fruit cake inside, you'll be left with a commemorative cake tin to re-use for future baking.

This Union Jack Biscuit Barrel has been released by Emma Bridgewater to coincide with the Coronation. It doubles up as both memorabilia and practical kitchen storage.

This souvenir tea tin displays a range of images of King Charles III. Plus, it comes with tea bags inside to enjoy over the Coronation weekend.

This luxurious tea from Mariage Frères comes in a regal keepsake tin. The tea itself is a blend of spice, bergamot and rose petals.

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