Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 25 Rupees 1993, KM# 63, Seychelles, 40th Anniversary of Coronation of Elizabeth II
  • 25 Rupees 1993, KM# 63, Seychelles, 40th Anniversary of Coronation of Elizabeth II
Description

Elizabeth II was coronated as queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey, London. She became queen at 25, following her father George VI's death on 6 February 1952, with the coronation held over a year later to allow proper preparation. The ceremony included her taking an oath, anointing with holy oil, wearing robes and regalia, and being crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and other realms, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The coronation, the first to be fully televised, featured widespread celebrations across the Commonwealth and a commemorative medal. It was the last British coronation of the 20th century, costing an estimated £1.57 million (approximately £53.6 million in 2023).

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below. Mint mark 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
· 1993 ·

Reverse

Depicts the Gold State Coach with a driver, guard and queen within it surrounded by inscription, value and dates of Coronation and year of issue below.

The Gold State Coach, an enclosed eight-horse-drawn carriage, has been used by the British royal family since its commission in 1760 by Francis Rawdon-Hastings for King George III. Designed by Sir William Chambers and built by Samuel Butler, it cost £7,562 (equivalent to £3.54 million or US$4.188 million in 2022). Though intended for George III's coronation in 1761, it wasn't completed until 1762. This historic coach has been used for every British monarch's coronation since William IV and is reserved for grand state occasions due to its age, weight, and limited maneuverability.

Queen Elizabeth II described her coronation journey in the coach as "horrible" and "not very comfortable," possibly explaining its absence during her Diamond Jubilee at age 86. The coach last appeared at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023. Over 260 years old, it features a wood structure covered in gold leaf, with an interior lined in velvet and silk. Measuring 29 feet long, almost 12 feet tall, and weighing 4 tons, it is housed at the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace when not in use.

CORONATION OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
25
RUPEES
· 1953 + 1993 ·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.47 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal