Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has a rich history and her personal belongings have become highly sought after by collectors around the world.
Here are 10 of the most valuable pieces of Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia that have sold at auction:
1. Lipton's tea bag:
In September 2022 a Liptons tea bag, claimed to have been used by the late Queen Elizabeth II, has sold on eBay for a remarkable $12,000, making it one of the most valuable pieces of Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia ever sold
2. Royal Wedding Cake:
A slice of the Queen’s wedding cake from her marriage to Prince Philip sold for £1,500 ($2,000) at auction in 2017. The cake was preserved and wrapped in cellophane.
3. Royal Yacht Britannia Dinner Service:
A dinner service used on the Royal Yacht Britannia sold for £115,000 ($155,000) at auction in 2015. The set included 82 pieces, with each piece bearing the royal crest.
4. Corgi Figurines:
A set of six porcelain corgi figurines, a breed closely associated with the Queen, sold for £9,000 ($12,000) at auction in 2015.
5. Gold State Coach Miniature:
A miniature version of the Queen’s Gold State Coach sold for £31,000 ($42,000) at auction in 2016. The intricate model was made by a team of goldsmiths and jewellers.
6. Royal Christmas Card:
A Christmas card sent by the Queen in 1958 sold for £1,500 ($2,000) at auction in 2018. The card featured a family photograph of the Queen, Prince Philip, and their children.
7. Queen Elizabeth II's driving licence:
In November 2022 the Queen's provisional driving licence was sold at auction for £6,800.
The licence was issued in 1945 when she was a part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) which tasked women with vital roles to assist the war effort.
The driving permit was numbered B1232 and in the name of HRH Princess Elizabeth II and notes her personal characteristics of 'blue eyes', '5ft 4 inches tall', and 'light brown hair'.
8. Royal Wedding Dress:
A replica of the Queen’s wedding dress, made by the original designer Norman Hartnell, sold for £34,000 ($45,000) at auction in 2016.
9. Royal Cigarette Case:
A gold cigarette case owned by the Queen’s father, King George VI, sold for £6,000 ($8,000) at auction in 2017. The case was engraved with the royal cipher.
10. Royal Tea Set:
A silver tea set, used by the Queen during her stay at the Scone Palace in Scotland, sold for £13,000 ($17,000) at auction in 2018.
Queen Elizabeth II’s personal belongings have become highly coveted items for collectors around the world.
From her diamond and pearl tiara to her corgi figurines, these items offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most iconic and beloved figures in modern history.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.