Catalog
| Issuer | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 2018 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 5 Pounds |
| Currency | Pound sterling (decimalized, 1971-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Jody Clark Reverse: Stephen Taylor |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Sp#L61, KM#1583 |
| Obverse description | Fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the George IV State Diadem, legend around. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·FID·DEF·5 POUNDS· J.C (Translation: Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith) |
| Reverse description | The Royal Standard in the style of the Coat of Arms of Westminster below Her Majesty the Queen`s Royal Cypher, legend above, dates below. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | SAPPHIRE ANNIVERSARY E II R ST · 1953 - 2018 · |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
2018 - BU - 18 296 |
| Numisquare ID | 1002049550 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 2018 United Kingdom Five Pounds coin commemorates Queen Elizabeth II's Sapphire Anniversary, marking 65 years since her accession to the throne in 1952. While the anniversary itself occurred in 2017, this issue reflects the enduring significance of such a monumental reign. Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, presided over an era of profound social, technological, and political transformation. This commemorative piece encapsulates a moment of national celebration, acknowledging her unwavering dedication and the stability she represented throughout decades of change, cementing her place in history.
Artistry: The obverse features the fifth and final definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. This contemporary effigy depicts the Queen wearing the George IV State Diadem, rendered with a modern realist sensibility that emphasizes her regal bearing. The reverse, designed by Glyn Davies, fittingly celebrates the Sapphire Anniversary. It prominently displays a representation of St Edward's Crown, encircled by sixty-five individual sapphires, symbolizing each year of her reign. This design marries traditional heraldic elements with a unique, symbolic interpretation of the anniversary, characteristic of modern British commemorative numismatics.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this 38.61mm coin presents several key areas for technical assessment. On the obverse, collectors should examine the intricate details of the Queen's hair and the jewels within the George IV State Diadem for full strike definition. The reverse requires close scrutiny of the individual "sapphires" encircling St Edward's Crown, ensuring each is distinct and fully formed. High-grade examples will exhibit sharp relief on the crown's crosses and fleurs-de-lis, along with pristine fields free of bag marks, which are common on larger base-metal issues. A strong strike will also yield crisp lettering in the legends.