Obverse. Photo © Britannia Coin Company
  • 20 Pounds 2015, KM# 1304, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch
  • 20 Pounds 2015, KM# 1304, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch
Description

On 9 September 2015, a royal milestone was reached as, after 63 years of sovereignty, Her Majesty The Queen became the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch. The Queen, ever-respectful towards her predecessors, has acknowledged the occasion quietly and the Royal Mint has marked the moment with a specially created £20 coin.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; born 21 April 1926) has been Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand since 6 February 1952. She has reigned through various wars and conflicts involving many of her realms. Times of personal significance have included the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her coronation in 1953, and the celebration of milestones such as her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees in 1977, 2002, and 2012, respectively.

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 · 20 POUNDS · 2015 ·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts all five definitive portraits of Her Majesty creating a timeline effect, with crowned monogram and legend below.

From the left to right:

First portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing a wreath. It was introduced in 1953, one year after the Queen acceded to the throne. It captures the grace and youth of the 26 year old new Queen. Her hair is brushed off her face and is rolled at the back of her head. Her hair is restrained by a laureate crown which is tied with ribbons at the back of her head.

Second crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara.

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

Fourth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara.

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

Engraver: Stephen Taylor

E II R
ST
THE LONGEST REIGN

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 15.71 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm