Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Pence 1985-1990, KM# 937, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II
  • 5 Pence 1985-1990, KM# 937, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II
Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II D·G·REG·F·D·1985
RDM

Reverse

A crowned thistle (formally, The Badge of Scotland, a thistle royally crowned), with the numeral "5" below the thistle, and the value above the thistle.

Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. They are an adaptation that protects the plant from being eaten by herbivores. Thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland and Lorraine, as well as the emblem of the Encyclopædia Britannica.

Engraver: Christopher Ironside

FIVE PENCE
5

Edge

5 Pence

3rd portrait, Large Type
KM# 937 Sp# D3
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 5.65 g
Diameter 23.59 mm
Thickness 1.78 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

2nd portrait

Cupronickel, 5.65 g, ⌀ 23.59 mm
3rd portrait, Large Type, Silver Proof

Silver, 5.65 g, ⌀ 23.59 mm
3rd portrait, Small Type

Cupronickel, 3.25 g, ⌀ 18 mm