2018-04-14 Sat

Falkland Island has released a new coin to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II that took place on 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.

After her father King George VI’s death, Princess Elizabeth became the Queen at the age of 25 on 6th February 1952. A period of mourning was observed for a year after George VI’s death. 8,251 guests from 129 nations and territories attended the event. It was also the first service to be aired on television.

Royal Coat of Arms is featured on the coin depicting a Lion which represents England, and the Unicorn, which represents Scotland. Two mottos “Dieu et mon Driot” (God and my Right) and “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (Shame on he who thinks evil) are also featured. The Royal Coat of Arms is similar to the one that appears on Priors Gate at Winchester Cathedral. The coin also depicts a pattern of Queen’s Coronation gown made of white satin, embroidered with the emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in gold and silver thread. The obverse depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The coin is available in three versions namely, Titanium, .925 Silver and Cupro Nickel. The 10.00 g Titanium coin has a mintage limit of 7,500; the 28.28 g Silver coin has a mintage limit of 2,000 and the 28.28 g CuNi has a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces. The Titanium and Silver coins come in acrylic capsule and are packaged in a red box with a Certificate of Authenticity. The copper- nickel coins come in tubes. Blue velvet pouches can be bought separately.

Image courtesy: Pobjoy Mint