Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Pounds 1997, KM# 977, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 50th Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
  • 5 Pounds 1997, KM# 977, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 50th Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Description

The coin commemorates Queen Elizabeth II's 50th Wedding Anniversary to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey on the 20th November 1947, and was regarded as an important state occasion.

The 1997 Five Pound piece is a crown sized coin, struck in three different metals and a total of five different variations.

Obverse

Conjoined heads of HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, facing right.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark; 1921–2021), was a member of the British royal family as the husband of Elizabeth II. The longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch and the longest-lived male member of the British royal family, he retired from his royal duties on 2 August 2017, aged 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements and 5,493 speeches since 1952. Philip had four children with Elizabeth: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. A keen sports enthusiast, Philip helped develop the equestrian event of carriage driving. He was a patron of over 800 organisations and served as chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme for people aged 14 to 24.

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

Engraver: Philip Nathan

ELIZABETH·II·D·G·REG·F·D PHILIP·PRINCEPS

Reverse

The reverse features the crown of St. Edward above shields bearing the Royal Arms and the Coat of Arms of Prince Philip, separated by an anchor. The crown represents the Queen's formal role, being worn by her on state occasions, and the anchor symbolises Prince Philip's distinguished naval career.

Prince Philip's arms post-1949 comprise four quarters, Denmark, Greece, and Mountbatten, representing his ancestry, and Edinburgh, representing the territorial designation of his dukedom.

Engraver: Leslie Durbin

· 1947 1997 ·
· 20 ·
NOVEMBER
· FIVE POUNDS ·

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 2.89 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint