Posts Tagged ‘numismatics’

The ‘Masterpiece’ is undoubtedly a flagship specification for Westminster collectors that truly lives up to the name.

Authorised to commemorate King Charles III’s Coronation, the masterpiece coin is struck from 5 ounces of Pure Silver to a pristine proof finish. The exquisite design pays tribute to the Coronation Regalia that will be used when the ceremony takes place on 6^th May.

A closer look at the design…

The reverse features a beautiful heraldic design by Quentin Peacock. It takes inspiration from the regalia and Crown Jewels which are integral to the Coronation ceremony. The six windows showing each item represent the stained glass at Westminster Abbey.

The Crown Jewels are undeniably the most complete collection of royal regalia in the world. At the heart of the Crown Jewels is obviously the Coronation Regalia, sacred objects used in the coronation ceremony. So the six treasures featured on the Masterpiece Coin are:

• Sovereign’s Sceptre – This sceptre represents the sovereign’s spiritual role, with the dove symbolising the Holy Ghost. Traditionally it has been known as ‘the Rod of Equity and Mercy’.
• Sword of Offering – one of the objects with which the sovereign is invested during the coronation ceremony.
• St Edwards Crown – the crown used at the moment of coronation. A solid gold frame set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. The crown has a velvet cap with an ermine band. 
• Eagle-shaped Ampulla – used to hold the consecrated oil with which a sovereign is anointed during the coronation ceremony. It’s cast in the form of an eagle with outspread wings.
• Sovereign’s Orb – a representation of the sovereign’s power. It symbolises the Christian world with its cross mounted on a globe, and the bands of jewels dividing it up into three sections represent the three continents known in medieval times.
• Ancient Coronation Spoon – The Archbishop pours holy oil from the Ampulla into the spoon, and anoints the sovereign on the hands, breast and head. The anointing is the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony, and takes place before the investiture and crowning.

Meet the designer

Quentin Peacock has been illustrating heraldry for fifteen years. During this time, he has created many seals and medal art works. Quentin began illustrating in 1999, having studied Graphic Design and Illustration at university and has subsequently worked on many heraldic commissions over the years.

A note from the artist: “It has always been my aim to demonstrate how beautiful heraldry can be created digitally and even to look as if it has been hand painted. Digital heraldry will never (and neither should it) replace hand-created heraldic art, but we are in a digital age and the need for professional digital heraldry is growing. It is my intention to make sure that it is done well and even to serve as an inspiration to other artists.”

Striking the masterpiece

The Masterpiece Coin is struck from 5 ounces of Pure Silver and uses selective 24ct Gold-plating to enhance key elements of the design.

This stunning coin has been struck to a beautiful proof finish, the highest quality finish. Creating the mirror-like finish requires immense craftsmanship. The dies used to strike the coin are painstakingly hand finished to sharpen the design and remove any imperfections.

Additionally, the dies are regularly removed from the press and re-polished during production, ensuring every coin is minted to the highest standard.

Shop the King Charles III Coronation Range

And as I mentioned earlier, the incredible Coronation Masterpiece coin has already completely SOLD OUT. However, you can browse the full coronation range here >>