July 5, 2012 – To celebrate the momentous occasion of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The Royal Mint has revealed two Proof quality UK five-ounce coins.
Following on from the success of the Alderney issue five-ounce coins created for the Royal Wedding last year, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee five-ounce will be issued on a UK coin and looks set to sell out as it appeals to collectors who want a unique piece of Diamond Jubilee memorabilia to treasure forever.
Great Britain / 10 GBP / 5oz .999 gold / 156.295 g / 65.00 mm / Design: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS / Mintage: 250.
The gold five-ounce coin contains five ounces of fine gold and only 250 will be struck. In addition to the gold five-ounce coin, a silver five-ounce coin has also been created and only 1,952 will be minted in honour of the year The Queen took to the throne.
Created by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, the reverse design of the five-ounce coin depicts a majestic image of Her Majesty The Queen enthroned. Inspired largely by the Great Seals of both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the enthroned effigy of The Queen is a very important image, conveying a deeply meaningful sense of stability.
Great Britain / 10 GBP / 5oz .999 silver / 156.295 g / 65 mm / Design: Ian Rank-Broadley / Mintage: 1,952.
The Queen wears the Royal Diadem and is draped in luxurious robes, the extravagant folds and ornate sculptural detail suggests enormous grace and dignity. The Diamond Jubilee anniversary dates of 1952-2012 are shown in Roman numerals and are accompanied by the Latin inscription DILECTA REGNO – I reign beloved.
The obverse of the five-ounce coins feature the Diamond Jubilee portrait of Her Majesty The Queen also by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS – created especially for and exclusive to all 2012 Diamond Jubilee UK coins struck by The Royal Mint.
Commenting on his design, Ian Rank-Broadley said “I did look at the Great Seals of various monarchs and wanted to give a new dimension to that image. To produce something that will have a special significance for the nation and possibly worldwide.”
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee UK Five-Ounce Gold Coin is housed in a high-gloss wood-veneer presentation case. The Diamond Jubilee UK Five-Ounce Silver Coin is presented in a faux leather case and both come with an illustrated booklet and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Great Britain / 500 GBP / .999 silver / 1005.00 g / 100.00 mm / Design: Ian Rank-Broadley / Mintage: 1,000.
In addition the Royal Mint has issued a kilo coin in gold and in silver in commemoration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being thus the first ever UK kilo coin to mark a royal event. Also designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, the coin’s reverse depicts the Royal Coat of Arms which graces the gates of Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s official London home.
If you want to learn more about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and that of Queen Victoria, the only British monarch before who could celebrate a diamond jubilee, you should read the articles in our history of Great Britain series here and here.
For more information on products of the Royal Mint, please click here.
All information on the commemorative event are available on the official website of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
There are also many information on the official website of The British Monarchy.