Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L78, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Remembrance Day, 100th Anniversary of Remembrance Day
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L78, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Remembrance Day, 100th Anniversary of Remembrance Day
  • 5 Pounds 2019, Sp# L78, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Remembrance Day, 100th Anniversary of Remembrance Day, Fold-out wallet
Description

Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918.

2019 official UK Remembrance Day £5 coin marks the 100 year anniversary of Remembrance Day.

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·FID·DEF·5 POUNDS·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a solitary poppy – an iconic feature in the ceremony of Remembrance – along with the dates 1919 and 2019, surrounded by a line from the Ode of Remembrance.

The Ode of Remembrance is an ode taken from the poem For the Fallen written by Laurence Binyon and first published in The Times in September 1914. It is often recited at Remembrance Day services.

The remembrance poppy is an artificial flower that has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war, and represents a common or field poppy, Papaver rhoeas. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. After reading the poem, Moina Michael, a professor at the University of Georgia, wrote the poem, "We Shall Remember," and swore to wear a red poppy on the anniversary. The custom spread to Europe and the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth within three years. Poppies were worn for the first time at the 1921 anniversary ceremony. At first real poppies were worn. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I; their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

Engraver: Harry Brockway

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
1919
2019
HB

Edge

5 Pounds (Crown)

5th portrait

Remembrance Day
100th Anniversary of Remembrance Day

Subscribe series
Sp# L78
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

4th portrait

Remembrance Day

Nickel Plated Steel, 4.4 g, ⌀ 23.88 mm
5th portrait

Remembrance Day

Cupronickel, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
5th portrait, Silver Proof Coin

Remembrance Day

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm