United Kingdom (Great Britain) Elizabeth II 5 Pounds

History

5 Pounds 2020, Sp# L81, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Tower of London, White Tower

5 Pounds 2020, Sp# L81, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Tower of London, White Tower, Fold-out packaging with tales from the Tower

Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint

Description

The Royal Mint issued the continuation of the epic story of London’s imposing royal palace and fortress with a second commemorative coin series. A set of four commemorative coins will mark four further fascinating aspects of the diverse history of the Tower of London, including some of the many institutions founded at the Tower and functioning there for hundreds of years.

The first coin in the series – The White Tower – will feature the iconic mace of office carried by the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London. Additional coins will feature The Royal Menagerie, The Royal Mint and The Infamous Prison.

The White Tower is a central tower, the old keep, at the Tower of London. It was built by William the Conqueror during the early 1080s, and subsequently extended. The White Tower was designed to impress and was once the tallest building in London. Over the years, the White Tower has been a royal palace, housed public records and served as a gunpowder store. Today, the White Tower is home to the Royal Armouries’ Line of Kings, the world’s longest running visitor attraction. The exhibition features a range of famous items, including Henry VIII’s impressive armour.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Diamond Diadem Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Elizabeth II 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·2020· J.C
Reverse	Construction (building, bridge etc.) Tower of London Flag United Kingdom (Union Jack) Symbol, amulet, talisman Ceremonial mace Depicts the silver mace carried by the Chief Warder. The mace is topped by a miniature version of the original building in its entirety. The Norman arched window is a distinctive feature at the Tower and it mirrored the curve of a coin, works as a device to unify the four coins in series. A special Tower mint mark is on the bottom left. 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. Designer: Tim Noad TOWER OF LONDON TN
Edge	Reeded (milled)