Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 10 Pence 2018-2019, KM# 1536, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Quintessentially British A to Z, K - King Arthur
  • 10 Pence 2018-2019, KM# 1536, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Quintessentially British A to Z, K - King Arthur
Description

The Royal Mint revealed its very first Quintessentially British A to Z coin collection celebrating all things British. The collection features 26 ten-pence coins, each one for each letter of the alphabet highlighting a British icon, monument or tradition, from the red Double Decker Bus and the famous prehistoric monument, Stonehenge to Ian Fleming’s secret agent, Bond.

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 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: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II•DEI•GRA•REG•F•D•TEN PENCE•2018•
J.C

Reverse

The letter K represents King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

King Arthur is a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries AD. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and his historical existence is debated and disputed by modern historians.

The Round Table is King Arthur's famed table in the Arthurian legend, around which he and his Knights congregate. As its name suggests, it has no head, implying that everyone who sits there has equal status. The table was first described in 1155 by Wace, who relied on previous depictions of Arthur's fabulous retinue. The symbolism of the Round Table developed over time; by the close of the 12th century it had come to represent the chivalric order associated with Arthur's court, the Knights of the Round Table.

K

Edge
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Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 6.5 g
Diameter 24.5 mm
Thickness 1.85 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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