Royal Mint marks Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Sapphire Jubilee

Royal Mint, Sapphire Jubilee coin
Royal Mint, Queen Elizabeth II's Sapphire Jubilee coin

As HM The Queen becomes the first British monarch to celebrate her Sapphire Jubilee, the Royal Mint has released a special collection of commemorative coins

Royal Mint, Sapphire Jubilee coin
Royal Mint, Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire Jubilee coin

Today marks 65 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne after the sudden death of her father, King George VI in 1952.

While the Queen spent the day in quiet reflection, the occasion was marked with a 41-round Royal Gun Salute in London’s Green Park followed by a 62-round Royal Gun Salute salute at the Tower of London.

Royal Mint, Sapphire Jubilee coin
Royal Mint, Sapphire Jubilee coin

The Royal Mint has released a commemorative set of coins to celebrate the occasion. The new precious metal £5 coin features a Palace-approved design inspired by the Stuart sapphire, the 104-carat sapphire that sits as part of the band on the Imperial State Crown originally commissioned for King George VI’s coronation in 1937, and which was adjusted slightly for the Queen for her own coronation in 1953. The coin also features an excerpt of the words spoken by the Queen on her 21st birthday in Cape Town: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, devoted to your service”.

The other coins in the collection range from £5 through to £1,000 and can be ordered online at the Royal Mint.

 

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