The government and Treasury of Guernsey have issued new crown coins to mark the Sapphire Jubilee (65th anniversary of accession) of HM Queen Elizabeth II, which occurred today, the 6th February.
On the 9th September 2015 Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning English monarch. The event, although a very low-key celebration, was a milestone in terms of the reign of any British monarch, as Her Majesty surpassed the previous length of reign set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who ruled a total of 63 years and 216 days (June 20, 1837–January 22, 1901). The 65th anniversary or Sapphire Jubilee is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for both monarch and country.
Born into the Royal family in 1926 as the eldest daughter of the Duke of York, who was the second son of King George V, the little princess was not expected at the time of her birth to ever succeed to the British throne. Extraordinary events in 1936 changed the destiny of the young woman, who in 1952 became Queen of Great Britain. Since then, Queen Elizabeth II has not only lived a remarkable life, she has been at the forefront of British life and politics—albeit from a safe distance—and has witnessed from the very top the immense changes the country has experienced throughout the 20th century and now into the 21st. The Queen is revered around the world and admired for her dedication to her country and the Commonwealth. She has been a symbol of stability and service in a world that has experienced and witnessed substantial and often fearsome change.
The new coins are privately minted on behalf of the Treasury of Guernsey and are designed by well-known coin and medal artist Michael Guilfoyle (who has designed many commemorative coins for the Crown dependency). The reverse features the sceptres from the sovereign’s coronation regalia; these are crossed, with the commemorative years 1952 and 2017 in the left and right quarters. The number 65 is placed in the upper quarter. The text HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II SAPPHIRE JULBILEE” is seen along the upper half of the coin and above the primary design, with the denomination FIVE POUNDS seen just below it. Each Proof includes a sapphire-coloured crystal embedded in a diamond shape in the lowermost quarter of the crossed sceptres. The silver Proofs are also highlighted with 24-carat gold plating on the reverse design. The Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel coins have, in place of the crystal, a royal orb with topped with a crucifix.
The obverse design features a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by the sculptor Ian Rank Broadley, along with the year of issue.
Denom. |
Metal |
Weight |
Diameter |
Quality |
Mintage Limit |
£5 |
Cupro-nickel |
28.2 g |
38.6 mm |
Brilliant Unc. |
Unlimited |
£5 |
Cupro-nickel |
28.2 g |
38.6 mm |
Proof with crystal |
4,950 |
£5 |
.925 silver |
28.2 g |
38.6 mm |
Proof with crystal |
2,017 |
The coins are available exclusively from the Westminster Collection distributors. British addresses can order the cupro-nickel BU version for face value, postage included, at http://www.westminstercollection.com/p-498K/The-Sapphire-Jubilee-Five-Pound-Coin.aspx?sn=v
The cupro-nickel Proof and silver Proof coins are presented in a capsule and custom case with certificate of authenticity; the cupro-nickel BU coins are presented in branded pouch. For additional information on these coins, please visit the website of the Westminster Collection. ❑
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