Her Majesty the Queen
A Timeless Tribute to Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch
If you’re a history enthusiast or a coin collector, there’s a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss: the chance to secure a complete collection of British Crown coins, each representing a significant moment from every decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s unparalleled 70-year reign. This collection isn’t just a series of coins; it’s a meticulously curated timeline that honours the life and legacy of a monarch who reigned through some of the most transformative times in British history.
Why the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a Must-Have
This remarkable collection begins with the very first commemorative Crown issued during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign—the 1953 Coronation Crown. From there, your collection will take you through seven decades of British history, with each Crown coin marking a pivotal event during the Queen’s reign. The journey concludes with the UK 2022 In Memoriam Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin, the first to feature King Charles III, symbolising the close of one chapter and the beginning of another in British monarchy history.
A Coin for Every Decade: The Story Behind Each Crown
The Coronation Crown
Elizabeth II’s journey as Queen began in 1952, and her Coronation was celebrated the following year with the release of the first commemorative Crown of her reign. This iconic coin features a distinctive portrait of Her Majesty on horseback, dressed in her uniform as Colonel in Chief of the Grenadier Guards.
The Churchill Commemorative Crown
The 1960s brought the passing of one of Britain’s greatest leaders, Winston Churchill. In 1965, The Royal Mint issued a Crown featuring Churchill’s portrait on the reverse, making history as the first time a non-monarch was depicted on a British coin. The obverse showcases the first official coinage portrait of Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick.
The Silver Jubilee Crown
The 1970s saw Britain joining the European Economic Community and Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977. To mark 25 years on the throne, The Royal Mint issued a Crown reminiscent of the 1953 Coronation Crown, featuring Coronation Regalia on the reverse and the Queen on horseback on the obverse.
The Royal Wedding Crown
In 1981, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was a momentous occasion. The Royal Mint commemorated the event with a Crown coin that, for the first time, featured three portraits: Charles, Diana, and the official portrait of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.
The 40th Anniversary of the Coronation
The 1990s brought the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. The Royal Mint issued a special Crown in 1993, featuring Mary Gillick’s original portrait of the Queen, surrounded by a circle of eight mounted trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, with the Crown of St. Edward on the reverse.
The Golden Jubilee Crown
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee. To commemorate this milestone, The Royal Mint released a one-year-only Crown coin, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, with an equestrian portrait of the Queen that echoed the design of the 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown.
The Prince Philip Crown
The 2010s saw Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stepping down from public duties in 2017. Known for his service and numerous contributions, The Royal Mint honored him with a £5 coin featuring a portrait designed by Humphrey Paget.
The In Memoriam Crown
The final coin in the collection is a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s life and legacy. Issued in 2022, this £5 coin features the last portrait of the Queen by Jody Clark, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem Crown. The reverse marks the historic transition with the first official effigy of King Charles III.
Assembled with precision and care, the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a rare opportunity to own a piece of British history. The collection is housed in a deluxe wooden presentation case and comes with a unique timeline certificate of authenticity, ensuring that your collection is not only preserved but also celebrated for years to come.
>>> Click here to secure your own Decades Crown Collection before it’s too late <<<
The Evolution of UK Banknotes: From Paper to Precision
The history of banknotes in the United Kingdom is a fascinating journey of innovation, security, and tradition. From the earliest issues to the forthcoming King Charles III banknotes, each phase reflects the technological and cultural shifts of its time.
A Brief History of UK Banknotes
The Bank of England began issuing banknotes shortly after its establishment in 1694. Initially, these notes were handwritten, a far cry from the highly sophisticated currency we use today. By the mid-18th century, partially printed notes were introduced, with the denomination and other details filled in by hand.
Source: Bank of England website
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/online-collections/blog/our-earliest-bank-of-england-note
The 19th century brought significant changes with fully printed notes and the introduction of standardized designs to prevent forgery. A pivotal moment in the history of UK banknotes came in 1960 when Queen Elizabeth II became the first monarch to be featured on the Bank of England notes. Her portrait on the £1 note marked the beginning of a tradition of depicting reigning monarchs on the nation’s currency, providing a sense of continuity and national identity.
Security Features: From Simplicity to Sophistication
As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of banknote security features. Early notes relied heavily on the quality of the paper and intricate designs to deter counterfeiters. However, as counterfeiting techniques improved, so too did the security measures.
Modern UK banknotes are a marvel of technology and design. Click on the dots below to explore the key security features:
Introducing the King Charles III Banknotes
In a historic move, the Bank of England is set to release the new King Charles III banknotes on June 5th, 2024. This marks the first time in over 70 years that a new monarch’s portrait will grace the currency, following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King Charles III banknotes will continue to feature the same high-security features of their predecessors and the new banknotes will initially be available in £5, £10, £20, and £50 denominations. They will circulate alongside the existing Queen Elizabeth II notes, gradually phasing out the older series as they wear out.
Introducing the DateStamp™ Set: Connecting the Past and Present
To commemorate this historic transition, we are excited to introduce an exclusive DateStamp™ set that brings together the past and the present of UK currency. This unique collection features the Queen Elizabeth II £5 and £10 banknotes alongside the brand new King Charles III £5 and £10 banknotes, each postmarked on the official issue date, 5th June, 2024.
You can now be one of just 2,024 collectors to own this special set.
Click here now to pre-order yours before the official release >>
One Year On: Five Facts About King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
One year has passed since the grandeur of King Charles III’s Coronation Procession swept through the streets of London, a momentous occasion that united the nation in celebration.
And as we reflect on King Charles III’s first year as King, let’s journey back to the splendour and spectacle of that unforgettable day.
Here are five facts about the impressive Coronation Procession:
It was the largest Ceremonial Military Operation in 70 years
The largest operation of its kind since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Procession in 1953, two meticulously planned Processions accompanied King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 1.42-mile route to and from Westminster Abbey.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Over 4,000 Servicemen and Women Took Part
Over 4,000 Armed Forces Personnel from at least 35 Commonwealth nations marched alongside Their Majesties during the Procession, this included representatives from The British Army, The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Household Division and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A Coronation First Took Place at Buckingham Palace
For the first time, the Procession formed up in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to give a Royal Salute and three cheers to the new King and Queen. King Charles III and Queen Camilla stepped out onto the West Terrace of the Palace to receive the salute.
The Coronation Flypast Had To Be Altered Again
The famous Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance was due to be accompanied by a spectacular six-minute flypast including more than 60 aircraft, but the plans were scaled back due to the poor weather forecast. This also happened in 1953 as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Flypast also had to be altered on the day due to poor weather conditions.
Image Credit: Ministry of Defence, OGL 3 via Wikimedia Commons
The Gold State Coach isn’t as comfortable as it may look
Their Royal Majesties travelled to the Abbey in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach and once crowned, returned to Buckingham Palace in the ornate Gold State Coach.
Queen Elizabeth II, who used the coach for her Coronation, said that the Coach might look luxurious but it was an uncomfortable ride due to the lack of suspension!
Image Credit: Amanda Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Other members of The Royal Family followed in the Australian State Coach, the Irish State Coach and the Scottish State Coach. Princess Anne rode behind the Golden State Coach on horseback as with His Majesty’s Guards.
The Ultimate Tribute To King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
Today you can own the ultimate tribute to our nation’s FIRST Coronation in OVER 70 years – The King Charles III Coronation Silver 50p Coin Bar for JUST £9.99 (+p&p) when you trial the King’s Coronation Procession Collection.
This is an extra special specification. Each coin in the collection has been carefully struck from 99.9% Pure Silver to a pristine Proof finish and despite being struck to a rectangular shape – it still carries a fifty pence denomination!
Continue collecting and you’ll build an enviable collection of stunning Silver 50ps featuring scenes taken straight from the Coronation Day!
And what’s more, each coin has been fully approved by His Majesty King Charles III himself!
Click here to secure yours for our introductory price of JUST £9.99 (+p&p) >>