United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 5 Pounds

History

5 Pounds 1996, KM# 974b, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 70th Anniversary of Birth of Elizabeth II

Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1996 Five Pound piece is a crown-sized coin, struck in three different metals (cupronickel, silver and gold) and a total of five different variations. It marks the occasion of the 70th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign, which began on February 6, 1952, lasted for 70 years and seven months, making it the longest of any British monarch in history. At the age of 25, she became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries after her father's death in February 1952. These countries were the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and she also served as Head of the Commonwealth.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth acted as a constitutional monarch and oversaw significant political changes, such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the decolonization of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to and withdrawal from the European Communities. The number of her realms changed over time as territories gained independence and some became republics.

Elizabeth experienced many personal milestones during her reign, including the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was crowned in 1953, and her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees were celebrated in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Obverse	British royal family Birth or death Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II 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·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F·D RDM · FIVE POUNDS ·
Reverse	Construction (building, bridge etc.) Castle Flag United Kingdom (Union Jack), Royal Standard of the United Kingdom Windsor Castle, her Royal residence in Berkshire, forms a fitting backdrop to the Royal Standard, the Union Flag, and the Queen's personal flag. The two accompanying pennants bear the anniversary dates 1926 and 1996. Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture. The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by the reigning monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St George's Chapel, considered by the historian John Martin Robinson to be "one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic" design. Engraver: Avril Vaughan 1926 E 1996
Edge	Inscribed (lettered) The edge inscription VIVAT REGINA ELIZABETHA, besides wishing the Queen a long life, recalls the anthem sung at her Coronation more than forty years ago. + VIVAT REGINA ELIZABETHA +