Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 10 Pence 2018-2019, KM# 1543, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Quintessentially British A to Z, R - Robin
  • 10 Pence 2018-2019, KM# 1543, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Quintessentially British A to Z, R - Robin
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 R represents a robin.

Officially named the UK’s favourite bird, the charming red robin with its iconic red breast can be found chirping its happy tune in UK hedgerows, gardens, parks and woodlands.

The robin has become strongly associated with Christmas, taking a starring role on many Christmas cards since the mid 19th century. The robin has appeared on many Christmas postage stamps. An old British folk tale seeks to explain the robin's distinctive breast. Legend has it that when Jesus was dying on the cross, the robin, then simply brown in colour, flew to his side and sang into his ear in order to comfort him in his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the robin's breast, and thereafter all robins got the mark of Christ's blood upon them.

The association with Christmas more probably arises from the fact that postmen in Victorian Britain wore red jackets and were nicknamed "Robins"; the robin featured on the Christmas card is an emblem of the postman delivering the card.

With a length of 14 cm, wingspan of 20-22 cm and a weight of just 14-21 g, these cute little birds are often thought to be friendly creatures, but that is certainly not the case. They may look adorable, but robins are aggressively territorial and quarrelsome, and will not hesitate to drive away other intruding robins.

R

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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