Description
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was remarkable, and it is difficult to see how it will ever be surpassed. With so many heirs now in the line of succession, it is unlikely Britain will again see a monarch accede at a young enough age to exceed her length of reign. Living to the age of 96, she became the first British monarch ever to celebrate a Platinum (70th) Jubilee of accession in 2022, the year she sadly passed away.
Some of the most important milestones of her magnificent reign were marked with commemorative British coinage, and this set brings together five such historic issues. Collectively, they celebrate her Coronation, Silver Jubilee (25th), Golden Jubilee (50th), Diamond Jubilee (60th) and Platinum Jubilee (70th).
FIVE COINS FOR FIVE MAGNIFICENT REGNAL CELEBRATIONS
During her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II’s major regnal celebrations were commemorated through specially designed British coins. All five of these landmark celebrations are represented in this unique set.
Coin 1 – The 2022 Gold Half Sovereign
Platinum (70th) Jubilee issue
The 2022 gold sovereign was minted to celebrate Her Majesty’s history-making Platinum Jubilee, featuring a one-year-only design by Timothy Noad. The reverse presents a powerful rendition of the Royal Arms, an emblem of the monarchy for centuries.
The design shows the full achievement of the Royal Arms, including the shield, crowned helmet and lion crest, and the lion and unicorn supporters. Rich detail is achieved through a blend of realism and stylisation, from the lion’s muscular form to its exaggerated teeth and claws, enhancing its heraldic presence.
Quality: Grade 10
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Coin 2 – Queen Elizabeth II 1953 Crown
Coronation issue, one-year-only design
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was marked by a commemorative crown, the first of her reign, and one of the most distinctive coins of the twentieth century.
For the first time since the reign of King Charles I, an equestrian portrait was adopted. The Queen is depicted riding sidesaddle, wearing the uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards, complete with plumed cap. The Royal Cypher EIIR appears crowned on either side, with the denomination FIVE SHILLINGS flanked by a rose and a thistle.
The reverse, designed by Edgar Fuller, features four shields of the Royal Arms arranged in a saltire, centred on a crown. Floral emblems representing the four nations of the United Kingdom divide the date 1953.
The coin also carries an inscribed edge:
“FAITH AND TRUTH I WILL BEAR UNTO YOU”, a phrase from the Coronation service.
This Coronation crown was issued only in cupronickel. No silver version was produced.
Quality: Grade 9
Metal: Cupronickel
Coin 3 – Queen Elizabeth II 1977 Crown
Silver (25th) Jubilee issue, cupronickel
The 1977 crown marked the first Jubilee commemorative of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and continued the equestrian tradition.
The obverse shows the Queen riding sidesaddle during the Trooping of the Colour on Horse Guards Parade. Unlike the 1953 issue, the horse is shown broadside, more animated, with greater detail and an outstretched tail.
The reverse is particularly striking, featuring no legend. At its centre are the Ampulla and Spoon used for the anointing at Coronations, surrounded by olive branches symbolising peace. At the top sits St Edward’s Crown. Both sides were designed by Arnold Machin.
Quality: Grade 10
Finish: Uncirculated circulation striking
Coin 4 – Queen Elizabeth II 2002 Crown-Sized Five Pound
Golden (50th) Jubilee issue, cupronickel
Issued to mark the Golden Jubilee, this crown-sized £5 coin continues the equestrian tradition established in 1953 and 1977.
The reverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II on horseback, both monarch and horse shown in side profile. The date 2002 appears in the exergue, divided by the collar of the Order of the Garter bearing the motto HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE. The surrounding legend includes
AMOR POPULI PRAESIDIVM REGINAE
meaning “The love of the people is the Queen’s protection.”
The obverse features a new portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley, created specifically for this coin and used nowhere else. The presence of two different portraits of the same monarch on one coin makes this issue particularly notable in British numismatic history.
Quality: Grade 10
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Coin 5 – Queen Elizabeth II 2012 Crown-Sized Five Pound
Diamond (60th) Jubilee issue, cupronickel
The Diamond Jubilee of 2012 was only the second such celebration in British history, the first being Queen Victoria’s in 1897.
In tribute to that earlier jubilee, the 2012 design echoes the style of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee medal, combining portraits representing the beginning and maturity of a reign.
The obverse features a contemporary portrait of Queen Elizabeth II inspired by the bas-relief sculpture outside the Supreme Court in London. The reverse draws on the style of her first coinage portrait by Mary Gillick, set within a wreath and ribbon. The Latin inscription
DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MEOS
means “May God direct my steps.”
Both portraits were designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.
Quality: Grade 10
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
