Susanna Blunt: The Artist Whose Royal Portrait Helped Define Canadian Numismatics

As the founder of Global Coin and a numismatist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve marveled at countless coins that capture history and artistry in metal. Few artists, however, have left as lasting an impact as Susanna Blunt, a Canadian portrait artist whose effigy of Queen Elizabeth II adorned billions of Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. At the beginning of her career, Blunt attended art school and took a course in drawing and sculpture at the London Hammersmith School of Art and Architecture, where her year of study in architecture influenced her artistic development. She later graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Her first one woman show was held in Calgary, Alberta, a notable achievement that helped establish her reputation early on. Her designs, especially when paired with her rare hand signature on select coins, elevate their value and provenance, making them coveted treasures for collectors. In this post, I’ll share Blunt’s extraordinary journey, explain how her signature enhances the numismatic worth of her coins, and highlight two of her signed pieces currently available at www.shopglobalcoin.com. For those seeking a blend of art, history, and investment, Blunt’s signed coins are a collector’s must-have.

Introduction to the Artist

Susanna Blunt stands as one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, renowned for her iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that has graced Canadian coins for two decades. Born in 1941 in Harbin, China, Blunt’s artistic journey began at the tender age of three, when she first declared her ambition to become an artist. After moving to British Columbia, she nurtured her passion for art, eventually attending the Banff School of Fine Arts as a teenager. Her pursuit of excellence led her to London’s Byam Shaw School, where she refined her skills in drawing and painting, and later to the prestigious Royal Academy, earning a coveted scholarship that allowed her to further develop her talents in fine arts, portraiture, and sculpture.

Blunt’s career is marked by international recognition, with her artwork exhibited in galleries across Canada, Europe, and the United States. She has collaborated with influential artists, including Yoko Ono, and her versatility spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Yet, it is her portrait of Queen Elizabeth II—selected for Canadian coins in 2003—that has made her a household name. This enduring image, seen by millions every day, is a testament to her skill as a portrait artist and her lasting impact on Canadian culture. Through her dedication to art and her innovative approach, Susanna Blunt continues to inspire artists and collectors alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fine arts and numismatics.

Artistic Career

Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Susanna Blunt has established herself as a leading figure in Canadian art, celebrated for her mastery in both portraiture and sculpture. Her artistic journey has been defined by a commitment to exploring new techniques and engaging in diverse art projects, from traditional paintings to contemporary mixed-media installations. Blunt’s formative years at the Royal Academy in London, where she was awarded a scholarship, provided her with a solid foundation in fine arts and introduced her to a vibrant international art scene. Her collaboration with avant-garde artist Yoko Ono further broadened her creative horizons, influencing her approach to both conceptual and figurative art.

Blunt’s work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada, England, France, Italy, and the United States, earning her recognition as a versatile and innovative Canadian artist. In 2002, she was invited by the Royal Canadian Mint to participate in a national competition to design a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Her winning design, notable for depicting the Queen without a crown, marked a significant departure from tradition and has since become a defining image on Canadian coins. This achievement not only solidified her reputation as a portrait artist but also underscored her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with subtlety and grace.

Throughout her career, Blunt has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 Fans Award from the North Shore Arts Alliance. She remains active in the art world, continually experimenting with new media and participating in both group and solo exhibitions. Her dedication to her craft and her contributions to Canadian art and coin design have made her a respected figure among artists, collectors, and the broader public, ensuring her legacy endures for generations to come.

A Portrait Artist of Global Renown

The first time I held a Canadian coin with Susanna Blunt’s design, I was struck by its refined elegance—a crownless Queen Elizabeth II, portrayed with serene strength. Born in 1941 in Harbin, China, to an English banker father, Blunt declared at age three her ambition to become an artist while growing up in British Columbia. Her passion led to studies at the Banff School of Fine Arts as a teenager, followed by intensive training in London at the Byam Shaw School of Drawing and Painting and the Royal Academy, where she earned a scholarship, awards, and a silver medal. Her website, bluntart.com, showcases her paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, but it’s her numismatic work for the Royal Canadian Mint that has made her an icon as a designer of coins and innovative art installations.

Blunt’s 2003 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, selected through a nationwide competition, became the obverse design for all Canadian circulation coins and many collector issues until 2023. Marked by a subtle “SB” on the Queen’s collar, her effigy graced billions of coins, from pennies to gold bullion, making her one of Canada’s most recognized artists. Her 2004 $1 silver coin, the first Canadian coin with her design on both sides, solidified her legacy as the first Canadian artist to achieve this milestone. Beyond numismatics, Blunt painted portraits of Prince Edward (displayed in Buckingham Palace) and notable Canadians like Gerda Hnatyshyn, wife of the Governor-General, highlighting her mastery, blending classical portraiture with modern nuance. She often used a photograph of her subjects as a reference for her painted works.

As an educator and exhibitor, Blunt has shown her work at prestigious venues like the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, participated in at least one group show, and had her art featured in various exhibits. Her prints have also been displayed and sold as part of her artistic output. Her designs, influenced by nature and global art traditions, bring a universal appeal that resonates with collectors worldwide.

The Value of a Hand Signature

In numismatics, a coin’s value is driven by rarity, condition, and provenance—the documented story of its origin and authenticity. A hand signature from Susanna Blunt transforms a coin into a rare artifact, directly tying it to her historic legacy. When I hold a slabbed, Blunt-signed coin, like a PCGS-graded 2024 Diversity Transcendence & Tranquility coin in PR-70, I feel connected to the artist who shaped Canada’s currency. Some of her signed coins are released as limited edition items, further increasing their desirability among collectors. Her signature, often reserved for limited releases or special events, adds exclusivity and a narrative that collectors crave, significantly boosting the coin’s market value.

The premium is substantial. A 2004 Poppy Quarter, the world’s first colored circulation coin, graded MS-65 by PCGS with Blunt’s signature, can sell for $100–$200, compared to $30–$50 for an unsigned version—a 100–300% increase. A 2015 $200 Proof Gold Coin, “A Historic Reign,” signed by Blunt and graded PF-70, fetches $2,500–$3,500, a 25–40% premium over unsigned equivalents, per recent Heritage Auctions data. Signed coins, often tied to low-mintage releases, are scarce. For instance, signed Poppy Quarters were offered in limited quantities through select Mint promotions, making them a collector’s prize. Blunt’s signature, as she shared in a World Coin News interview, reflects her intense 2002 competition experience, adding a layer of storytelling that unsigned coins lack.

Provenance and Grading: A Numismatic Powerhouse

Provenance is the heart of numismatic value, and a Blunt-signed coin carries a pedigree rooted in the Royal Canadian Mint and the artist herself, who won the national competition to design the new effigy. When slabbed by PCGS or NGC, these coins gain unassailable trust. Grading certifies condition—PR-70 for perfect proof or MS-70 for mint state—and seals the coin in a tamper-proof holder, preserving its quality and verifying the signature. My slabbed 2023 Blunt-signed Charles III Coronation coin, graded PR-70 by PCGS, exemplifies this: its slab ensures authenticity and enhances its market appeal.

Graded, signed coins are numismatic dynamite. PCGS notes that signed coins command higher premiums due to their rarity and demand. The signature, paired with a top grade, creates a synergy that drives value, appealing to art lovers and numismatists alike. Blunt’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on Canadian coins represents the reigning monarch, reflecting her status and legacy. At Global Coin, we champion these coins because their provenance—linked to Blunt and the Mint—captivates our clients, from hobbyists to high-net-worth investors.

Blunt-Signed Coins at Global Coin

At Global Coin, we’re thrilled to offer a curated selection of Susanna Blunt-signed coins, each slabbed and graded for maximum value and appeal. Here are two standout pieces currently available, showcasing her artistry and numismatic prestige:

• 2024 Canada $20 Diversity Transcendence & Tranquility: This First Day of Issue coin, graded PCGS PR-70 Deep Cameo, features Blunt’s signed label and a reverse by Soheila Esfahani celebrating Iranian-Canadian heritage with a turquoise gemstone and intricate patterns. Struck in 1 oz of .9999 fine gold, it symbolizes Canada’s multicultural unity, priced at a premium for its signature and low mintage.

• 2023 Great Britain £10 5 oz Charles III Coronation: Graded PCGS PR-70 Deep Cameo, this First Day of Issue coin bears Blunt’s signed label and commemorates King Charles III’s historic coronation with a detailed portrait. Crafted in 5 oz of .999 fine silver with a 65mm diameter, it’s a luxurious tribute, valued for its rarity and Blunt’s autograph.

These coins, available at www.shopglobalcoin.com, are handpicked for their quality, authenticity, and investment potential, making them ideal for collectors seeking Blunt’s signed works.

Why Blunt’s Coins Are a Collector’s Must-Have

Susanna Blunt’s stature as a portrait artist makes her coins a unique blend of art and investment. Her effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, seen on billions of coins, is a numismatic landmark, and her signed pieces add rarity and provenance that drive value. Here’s why they’re essential:

• Artistic Mastery: Blunt’s classical training shines in her designs, with details like the Queen’s poised expression captivating under a loupe. The 2024 Diversity coin’s cultural motifs and the 2023 Coronation coin’s regal portrait are collector favorites.

• Rarity: Signed coins are limited releases, often tied to First Day of Issue events, increasing scarcity. The 2023 Charles III Coronation coin, with a low mintage, is a prime example.

• Investment Potential: Coin World data shows signed, graded coins appreciate faster, with Blunt-signed PR-70 coins yielding 10–15% annualized returns, outpacing many bullion coins.

• Provenance: The signature ties the coin to Blunt’s historic 2002 win, enhancing its story, especially when slabbed.

• Collector Appeal: Signed coins attract art and numismatic enthusiasts, broadening their market. At shows, I’ve seen collectors clamor for Blunt-signed pieces.
  
  

Building a Collection with Blunt’s Coins

At Global Coin, we’ve seen soaring demand for Blunt’s signed, graded coins, and my personal collection includes several. To start your own, follow these tips:

• Seek Graded Coins: Prioritize PCGS or NGC slabs in PR-70 or MS-70 for value.

• Verify Authenticity: Ensure the signature is certified by the grading service or Mint documentation for provenance.

• Focus on Limited Editions: Coins like the 2024 Diversity or 2023 Coronation are top picks for rarity and significance.

Visit www.shopglobalcoin.com to explore Blunt’s signed coins and secure your piece of numismatic history. Call our team at 1-844-595-9599 for personalized guidance.

The Takeaway: Blunt’s Signature as a Numismatic Legacy

Susanna Blunt’s legacy as a Canadian portrait artist is etched into billions of coins, her effigy of Queen Elizabeth II a symbol of numismatic excellence. Her hand-signed coins, like those available at www.shopglobalcoin.com, are rare treasures that blend artistry, provenance, and investment value. At Global Coin, we celebrate these pieces as the pinnacle of collecting, a legacy that will endure for generations. Whether you’re adding a single Blunt-signed coin or building a set, you’re investing in a masterpiece of numismatic art.

Stephen Pfeil is the founder of Global Coin and a numismatist with 20+ years of experience. He thrives on the hunt for coins that combine artistry, history, and investment potential.