1/25 Crown - Elizabeth II The Holy Roman Empire

Historical Context: Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, issued this 1997 1/25 Crown featuring Elizabeth II. This high-purity gold (.9999) piece, with its specific denomination and weight, was a non-circulating commemorative aimed at the international collector market. The "Holy Roman Empire" theme, distinct from Gibraltar's own history, places this coin within a broader series exploring world historical subjects, a common practice for smaller issuing authorities to diversify numismatic offerings.

Artistry: The obverse bears the third definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf, depicting the monarch wearing the George IV State Diadem. The reverse, dedicated to "The Holy Roman Empire," features an iconographic representation pertinent to that historical entity, rendered in a detailed, often neo-classical or heraldic style typical of modern commemorative issues. While the specific reverse engraver is not always documented, the aesthetic adheres to contemporary British Commonwealth coinage standards.

Technical/Grading: This diminutive gold (.9999 fine) coin, weighing 1.22 grams with a 13.92 mm diameter, was likely struck in proof or proof-like condition. For grading, attention focuses on the highest relief points: the queen's hair and diadem on the obverse, and intricate elements of the Holy Roman Empire motif on the reverse. The highly reflective fields are prone to hairlines or minuscule contact marks, significantly impacting grade. Strike weakness or planchet imperfections are also critical factors.