Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 1 Crown 1985, KM# 218, Isle of Man, Elizabeth II, 85th Anniversary of Birth of the Queen Mother, Royal Wedding
  • 1 Crown 1985, KM# 218, Isle of Man, Elizabeth II, 85th Anniversary of Birth of the Queen Mother, Royal Wedding
Description

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900–2002) was Queen of the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952 as the wife of King George VI, and the last Empress of India until 1947. After her husband's death, she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Born into British nobility, she married Prince Albert, Duke of York, in 1923. With his unexpected ascension to the throne in 1936, Elizabeth became queen consort. During WWII, her steadfast spirit supported the British public. After King George VI's death, her daughter became queen, and Elizabeth became the family matriarch. She remained a beloved public figure, active until shortly before her death at 101.

Obverse

Depicts the third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem. The mintmark (PM) is below the picture.

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.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf (RDM)

ELIZABETH II ISLE OF MAN 1985
RDM
PM

Reverse

Depicts the wedding portrait of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) on 26 April 1923 at Westminster Abbey. Initially, Elizabeth rejected Albert's proposals in 1921 and 1922 but eventually accepted in January 1923. Their wedding rings were made from Welsh gold, starting a royal tradition. Elizabeth laid her bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in memory of her brother, a tradition continued by royal brides. Eight bridesmaids attended her, and the event was not broadcast due to concerns from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Elizabeth's dress, designed by Madame Handley-Seymour, featured ivory chiffon moire and family heirloom lace. Prince Albert wore RAF full dress uniform. The couple honeymooned at Polesden Lacey and Scotland.

George VI (1895–1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

As the second son of King George V, he was not expected to inherit the throne and spent his early life in the shadow of his elder brother, Edward. George's elder brother ascended the throne as Edward VIII upon the death of their father in 1936. However, later that year Edward revealed his desire to marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin advised Edward that for political and religious reasons he could not marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward abdicated in order to marry, and George ascended the throne as the third monarch of the House of Windsor.

QUEEN ELIZABETH • THE QUEEN MOTHER
• ONE CROWN •

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3.17 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Pobjoy Mint (PM)

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