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5 Pounds - Elizabeth II State Opening of Parliament; Silver Proof
| Issuer | States of Alderney |
|---|---|
| Year | 2012 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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| Reverse description | A dramatic silhouette of the Palace of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament occupies the lower half of the field, rendered in frosted relief against a polished background. Above the skyline, elements of the Royal Standard — including the quartered lions and harp — billow as if on a waving flag, evoking the ceremonial occasion of the State Opening of Parliament. Across the lower portion of the design, the quotation ''MY LORDS, PRAY BE SEATED'' is inscribed in bold raised lettering, referencing the traditional words spoken during the State Opening ceremony. The composition effectively contrasts the architectural silhouette with the heraldic imagery of the Royal Standard to create a visually striking commemorative design. |
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| Mintage | 2012 - Proof - 40,000 |
| Additional information |
Alderney occupies an unusual constitutional position — it is a dependency of the British Crown but not part of the United Kingdom, giving it the right to issue its own coinage while remaining outside Westminster's direct legislative reach. The irony of a Crown dependency commemorating the State Opening of Parliament is quiet but real: Alderney has its own States assembly, one of the oldest legislative bodies in the Channel Islands, deriving its authority from Norman customary law rather than any Act of Parliament it would never attend.
The 2012 issue falls within a particularly active period of Alderney commemorative production under the Pobjoy Mint contract.