The PCGS Certified 2026 Lion and Eagle 1/4oz Gold Coin contains a quarter of a troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold and has been authenticated, graded and sealed by PCGS. It carries King Charles III on the obverse and is UK legal tender with a £25 face value, so it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents and VAT-exempt as investment gold.

The PCGS 2026 Lion and Eagle 1/4oz Gold Coin design

2026 is the third dated release in the Royal Mint’s Lion and Eagle bullion range and introduces a new reverse by Jonathan Olliffe, who brings the British lion and American eagle together in a fresh composition. The 2024 and 2025 coins carried a design by John M. Mercanti, so 2026 marks a change of artist as well as date.

The obverse carries Martin Jennings’ portrait of King Charles III.

Two national symbols

The lion has been a royal emblem in England since the twelfth century, and the bald eagle became the national bird of the United States when Congress adopted it for the Great Seal in 1782. Olliffe gives both symbols equal prominence in a single scene celebrating the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

PCGS grading of the 2026 Lion and Eagle 1/4oz Gold Coin

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is one of the two leading independent coin grading services, alongside NGC. It authenticates each coin, grades it on the 70-point Sheldon scale and seals it in a tamper-evident holder with a label showing the grade and a unique certification number, which can be checked on the PCGS website.

Grades for new bullion coins fall in the Mint State range, from MS60 up to MS70, depending on how many contact marks and imperfections are visible under magnification. Because 24-carat gold is soft and marks easily in production and handling, the grade of each coin varies. The grade is shown on the PCGS label, and product images are illustrative, so please ask before ordering if a specific grade matters to you.

PCGS 2026 Lion and Eagle 1/4oz Gold Coin specifications

Why buy a PCGS 2026 Lion and Eagle 1/4oz Gold Coin?

A PCGS-certified quarter-ounce Lion and Eagle comes with independent confirmation of its authenticity and condition, sealed in a holder that protects the soft 24-carat surfaces. It suits collectors who want the first year of Jonathan Olliffe’s design in verified condition at a lower price than the one-ounce coin.

It still contains a quarter-ounce of CGT-exempt gold, which underpins its value.

Why buy 1/4oz gold coins?

A quarter-ounce coin lets you buy into a design or add to a gold holding without committing to a full ounce. Fractional coins carry a slightly higher premium per gram than 1oz coins, but they give you more flexibility: you can sell part of a holding in smaller steps, and they make well-received gifts.

Frequently asked questions

What grade will I receive?

Each coin is individually graded by PCGS, and the grade is printed on its label. Grades can vary between coins, so please contact us before ordering if you need a particular grade.

Who designed the 2026 Lion and Eagle?

Jonathan Olliffe designed the 2026 reverse. The earlier 2024 and 2025 coins carry a design by John M. Mercanti.

Should I keep the coin in its PCGS holder?

Yes. Removing it breaks the seal, and the coin would no longer be certified.