2017-08-09 Wed

The longest heir apparent in the history of Great Britain was King Edward VII. He is the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He strengthened Great Britain prior to World War I.

Today seemly on 9th August 1902 Edward VII was coroneted as the King of Britain and her Commonwealth. His effusive personality and likable character solved many problems and opened many doors for him. He reformed the royal navy and army which prepared them for the coming war.

His reign, the ‘Edwardian era' was called the golden period for the British higher class. Its reflection can be seen on the coinage. The above-shown coin is a gold Five pound its obverse depicts the bust of Edward Vii facing right with a continuous legend reads ‘EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA BRITT OMN REX FID DEF IND IMP' it means ‘Edward VII by the Grace of God, King of all the British territories, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India'.

The reverse of this coin depicts St George on horseback facing towards the right and advancing on a fallen dragon with broken lance near the dragon's heart. St George is wearing the cloak, plummet helmet and holding a sword. The date is depicted below the portrait.

Edward VII passed away in 1910 and after him; his second son King George V was coroneted as the Emperor of United Kingdom.

To know more about King Edward VII click here.