Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2017, KM# 1454, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas, Christmas Tree
  • 5 Pounds 2017, KM# 1454, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas, Christmas Tree
  • 5 Pounds 2017, KM# 1454, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Christmas, Christmas Tree, Greetings card packaging
Description

The Christmas tree is at the centre of festive celebrations and plays a key part in making the season special. In 2017 The Royal Mint has continued its Christmas collection with the issue of the very first UK Christmas £5 coin.

Struck to an unblemished Brilliant Uncirculated finish, this coin has been encapsulated and features a security hologram to certify its superior quality. The coin is presented in a beautiful Christmas card which has been left blank inside for people to write a personalised message in.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

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 jewelry 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: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·5 POUNDS·2017·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts the stars, baubles and candy canes that deck the branches of the Christmas tree.

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas. The modern Christmas tree was developed in early modern Germany (where it is today called Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum),

The tree was traditionally decorated with "roses made of colored paper, apples, wafers, tinsel, [and] sweetmeats". In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. Today, there is a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garlands, baubles, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the archangel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. Edible items such as gingerbread, chocolate and other sweets are also popular, and are tied to or hung from the tree's branches with ribbons.

Engraver: Edwina Ellis

CHRISTMAS TREE 2017

Edge

5 Pounds (Crown)

5th portrait
KM# 1454 Sp# L59
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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