Posts Tagged ‘Queen Elizabeth II’
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 >>
Celebrating National Winston Churchill Day
On April 9th, we mark National Winston Churchill Day, a moment to reflect on and celebrate one of the most iconic figures in British history.
Click here to see our range of collectables celebrating Sir Winston Churchill
Who Was Sir Winston Churchill?
Sir Winston Churchill was a British statesman and leader known for his role as Prime Minister during WWII, celebrated for his leadership, speeches, and contributions to British and global history.
Celebrate, Commemorate and Collect
To commemorate Sir Winston Churchill and his profound influence, we have an array of collectables available for all enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of collecting, National Winston Churchill Day presents a perfect occasion to secure these commemorative pieces and celebrate arguably Britain’s greatest wartime leader.
JUST £15: Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue
The design of this double thickness Piedfort issue features a specially commissioned depiction of Sir Winston Churchill along with a soaring Spitfire overhead by renowned artist, David Young.
Being double thickness, this coin weighs 50 grams– almost twice as much as the standard specification, and it has also been expertly plated in 24 Carat Gold and struck to a pristine Proof finish.
>>Get your Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue now by clicking here<<
The Spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo
This the spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin.
Each piece has been painstakingly struck from ONE KILO of PURE SILVER to an Antique finish and a cutting edge layered technique has been applied that not only creates a three-dimensional effect but elevates each coin to a league of its own…
>>Click here to secure your Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo<<
The 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame
The 1965 Winston Churchill Crown became immensely popular and continues to be a sought-after addition to any coin collection.
And today, you can secure the stunning silver-plated edition in the popular numismatic frame, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s birth year.
>>Click here to secure your 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame<<
UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign
Issued during the year of Winston Churchill’s passing – 1965 – a historically significant Sovereign
The 1965 Sovereign is one of the most collectable classic Sovereigns due to its 22 Carat precious metal quality and significant date.
>>Click here to get your UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign<<
‘Portraits of a Leader’ Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover
*** LAST 53 REMAINING ***
Featuring an official British Isles Miniature Sheet depicting rare photographs of Churchill, the stamps are carefully hand-stamped with a one-day-only commemorative postmark dated 22nd January 2015 – the stamps’ First Day of Issue.
Encapsulated within the cover are three official British Isles £5 Proof Coins that feature finely engraved portraits of Churchill – in his official army uniform during WWI and WW2, and the centre coin shows a recognisable portrait of him as a politician with his trademark bow tie.
>>Click here to secure your Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover<<
Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection
This exclusive set comprises four original Half Crown coins, each representing the unique, historical journey that encompasses both the life of Sir Winston Churchill and pays homage to his leadership during the tumultuous years of World War II.
But, as 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth year, the 1874 Half-Crown has become almost impossible to source.
>>Click here to secure your Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection<<