5 Pounds - Elizabeth II 2014 portrait - older queen with dark blue hat

Historical Context: This 2015 Five Pounds from Tristan da Cunha falls within the later reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), a prolific era for commemorative coinage across the Commonwealth. As a remote British Overseas Territory, Tristan da Cunha issues non-circulating legal tender primarily for collectors, often featuring British royal themes. This 2015 issue reflects the territory's numismatic autonomy in honoring the monarch through specially commissioned portraits, creating distinct collectible pieces.

Artistry: The obverse features a distinctive "2014 portrait - older queen with dark blue hat." This specific, non-standard effigy indicates a commissioned design for a commemorative issue, rather than a definitive coinage portrait by artists like Rank-Broadley or Clark. While the specific engraver for this particular "hatted" portrait is not widely attributed, the style embodies dignified, realistic modern British royal portraiture, emphasizing regal bearing and maturity. The unique attire differentiates this particular numismatic release.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a gold (.9999) plated copper planchet (38.61mm, 25g), this coin's grading hinges on plating integrity. High points susceptible to wear or loss of plating include the Queen's hat brim, facial features, and any intricate reverse design elements. Collectors should scrutinize fields for hairlines or bag marks, common on larger, flatter surfaces. Sharpness of strike, particularly in the fine details of the Queen's hat, hair, and legends, is paramount for higher grades, indicating a well-executed strike.