Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 25 Rupees 1994, KM# 79, Seychelles, The Queen Mother, Royal Wedding
  • 25 Rupees 1994, KM# 79, Seychelles, The Queen Mother, Royal Wedding
Description

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900–2002) was Queen of the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952 as the wife of King George VI, and the last Empress of India until 1947. After her husband's death, she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Born into British nobility, she married Prince Albert, Duke of York, in 1923. With his unexpected ascension to the throne in 1936, Elizabeth became queen consort. During WWII, her steadfast spirit supported the British public. After King George VI's death, her daughter became queen, and Elizabeth became the family matriarch. She remained a beloved public figure, active until shortly before her death at 101.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below. The mint mark (if any) below left.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS
· 1994 ·

Reverse

Depicts the Duke and Duchess of York on their wedding day encircled by inscription of event and date of wedding below within a beaded circle surrounded by inscription above and the denomination below dividing by two royal crosses.

Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) on 26 April 1923 at Westminster Abbey. Initially, Elizabeth rejected Albert's proposals in 1921 and 1922 but eventually accepted in January 1923. Their wedding rings were made from Welsh gold, starting a royal tradition. Elizabeth laid her bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in memory of her brother, a tradition continued by royal brides. Eight bridesmaids attended her, and the event was not broadcast due to concerns from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Elizabeth's dress, designed by Madame Handley-Seymour, featured ivory chiffon moire and family heirloom lace. Prince Albert wore RAF full dress uniform. The couple honeymooned at Polesden Lacey and Scotland.

George VI (1895–1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

As the second son of King George V, he was not expected to inherit the throne and spent his early life in the shadow of his elder brother, Edward. George's elder brother ascended the throne as Edward VIII upon the death of their father in 1936. However, later that year Edward revealed his desire to marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin advised Edward that for political and religious reasons he could not marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward abdicated in order to marry, and George ascended the throne as the third monarch of the House of Windsor.

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER
WEDDING : LADY ELIZABETH BOWES-LYON : THE DUKE OF YORK
1923
TWENTY-FIVE RUPEES

Edge

25 Rupees

KM# 79 Schön# 82
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.47 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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