The Royal Mint commemorates Queen Elizabeth II, on the epic 70th anniversary of her ascension to the throne

It’s hard to believe that someone can stay in a position of power for seventy years, even more so when you consider they’re still working at an age most of us will never see, but Queen Elizabeth II has certainly managed it. Despite everything from political upheaval, recessions, wars and even scandals within her own ranks, she has somehow managed to emerge from it all with an incredible reputation, widely admired for her tact, integrity, and stability.

Her Platinum Jubilee, for which we get a two-day holiday (so I can drown my sorrow after Liverpool’s Real Madrid defeat…), has inspired a huge range of coins around the world, something you couldn’t imagine with any other leader. We’ve always said that this period in numismatics, with the huge number of releases carrying her effigy, could be remembered in the future as the Elizabethan period, assuming we haven’t all melted down our coins to buy weapons and fight off the zombie apocalypse…

This latest trio of coins is tied together by the presence of her signature, one that has been attached to almost countless documents over the decades, with the details above it varying based on the theme. The ‘Charity’ coin is adorned with a selection of 1953 circulating currency, her first, while the ‘Honours’ design has a selection of awards instead. The last, ‘Commonwealth’ has a line of flags, representing an organisation considerably better for the world than the old empire was. None of the designs are mind-blowingly adventurous, but an event like this demands subtlety and class, so we feel they’re on point for the occasion.

Each design is available in four formats (plus a base-metal BU). The sterling 0.925 silver coin comes in one-ounce, and piedfort two-ounce versions, and there’s a 0.9167 22 kt gold range-topper. These three have ‘DEVOTED TO YOUR SERVICE’ engraved on the edge. Lastly, there’s a quarter-ounce 0.9999 gold version, obviously too small to carry an edge inscription, All come boxed with a COA, and are available right now. If you use our banner ad below the spec chart, AgAuNEWS will get a small commission at no cost to you, and it will be much appreciated.

PRESS RELEASE

As people across the world begin to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, The Royal Mint, the original maker of UK coins, has today launched a special three coin collection honouring Her Majesty’s reign.

The first coin in the collection focuses on Her Majesty’s awards and honours, recognising individual service in many forms. The second coin highlights Her Majesty’s work with charities and as a patron, whilst the third and final coin celebrates the Commonwealth, a ‘family of nations’ she has championed throughout her reign.

Each coin in the collection is united by featuring Her Majesty The Queen’s signature in the centre of each design. This marks the first time ever that this has featured on UK coinage during Her Majesty’s reign – a fitting tribute to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, “As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we are delighted to reveal a coin collection marking Her Majesty’s incredible reign. Each coin design in the collection is united by the inclusion of Her Majesty’s signature, which is the first time this has ever featured on UK coinage during her reign. This special coin collection provides collectors with a wonderful and unique way to mark this incredible milestone in history, making the collection a perfect tribute for anyone looking to celebrate The Queen’s reign.”

The coin collection has been designed by Irish artist and illustrator P. J. Lynch who has represented three key areas of Her Majesty’s reign with richly symbolic designs that were inspired by and feature The Queen’s signature, as a symbol of her personal commitment to others.

P. J. Lynch said of his design, “When creating this series, I initially focused on The Queen’s hands; she is so often shaking hands – it is how she welcomes and communicates with the people she meets. It led me to consider her signature, which is so symbolic, an instrument of state when she signs official documents, but also her personal promise and commitment.”