October 20, 2011 – For Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the Royal Mint has unveiled the only official UK GBP 5 coin struck to mark the historic occasion, featuring two new and exclusive portraits of the monarch.
The new coin in occasion of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS to celebrate a remarkable royal milestone, the portraits encapsulate The Queen’s 60 years on the throne, a regal achievement matched only by the reign of Queen Victoria, The Queen’s great-great grandmother.
The first of the new portraits shows a contemporary image of Her Majesty dressed in formal Garter Robes, captured with gravitas and stately bearing. The other portrait, inspired by the first portrait of The Queen to appear on coins in 1953, features a young monarch classically depicted, wearing a laurel crown alongside the Latin words Dirige Deus Gressus Meos – May God Guide My Steps.
Combined, both portraits tell a celebratory story of a rich, historical reign, from the fresh and optimistic beginning of a new Elizabethan era to the gravitas of an assured and dignified Head of State, 60 years on.
Mr Rank-Broadley’s contemporary obverse design was inspired by the bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II he made in 2009, which is situated in the Supreme Court.
Lord Phillips, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom said: “We were delighted to learn that the sculpture which stands proudly in our entrance hall has been used as inspiration for the effigy on the new UK GBP 5 coin. Each coin produced will convey the very best wishes of this Court as Her Majesty, the nation and the Commonwealth prepare to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.”
The use of foliage on the reverse of the new coin is a pleasing link to the Diamond Jubilee medal of Queen Victoria, the only other British monarch to achieve her Diamond Jubilee. The Latin words Dirige Deus Gressus Meos – May God Guide My Steps again makes reference to Queen Victoria as they appeared on the Una and the Lion coin of 1839 which was the first coin to carry Queen Victoria’s portrait.
Commenting on the new coin, Kevin Clancy, Director of the Royal Mint Museum said: “Working with some of the finest artists in Britain, the Royal Mint has captured The Queen’s likeness on the coinage for almost 60 years and in her Diamond Jubilee year we wanted to honour her remarkable achievements with a remarkable coin. Ian’s new portraits tell the story of The Queen’s long reign with beauty and elegance, dignity and character, evoking the spirit of The Queen as only a truly gifted artist can”.
The precious metal coins will be available in Silver Proof, Silver Piedfort, Gold Plated Silver, Gold and Platinum from January 2012. The official UK GBP 5 coin to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is available from the Royal Mint’s website.