Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L75, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Tower of London, Yeoman Warders
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L75, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Tower of London, Yeoman Warders
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L75, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Tower of London, Yeoman Warders, Royal Mint case with a booklet
Description

For the very first time The Royal Mint has chosen to feature the Tower of London on a series of UK coins. Starting with The Legend of the Ravens, the collection continues with coins featuring The Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and The Ceremony of the Keys. Together the coins tell the story of this mighty stone fortress and the ancient ceremonies that still take place within these walls.

The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels; they have also conducted guided tours since the Victorian era.

Since 2011, there have been 37 Yeomen Warders and one Chief Warder. All warders are retired from the Armed Forces of Commonwealth realms and must be former warrant officers with at least 22 years of service. They must also hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

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·2019·
JC

Reverse

Depicts the iconic Beefeater, the famous Yeoman Warder in their iconic red uniforms, Tudor bonnet with a ceremonial axe, and a plan of the walls of the Tower which is split over the four coins in the collection unifying their designs.

A special Tower mint mark features on an official UK coin for the first time (on the left).

Engraver: Glyn Davies

TOWER OF LONDON
GD

Edge

A phrase from the poem Human Life of Samuel Rogers (1763–1855):

On thro' that gate misnamed, thro' which before
Went Sidney, Russell, Raleigh, Cranmer, More,
On into twilight within walls of stone,
Then to the place of trial;

ON INTO TWILIGHT WITHIN WALLS OF STONE

5 Pounds (Crown)

5th portrait, Silver Proof Coin
Sp# L75
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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