Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 500 Pounds 2022, Sp# BMGC2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, British Monarchs Collection, James VI and I
  • 500 Pounds 2022, Sp# BMGC2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, British Monarchs Collection, James VI and I
  • 500 Pounds 2022, Sp# BMGC2, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, British Monarchs Collection, James VI and I, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

The Royal Mint has launched (24th January 2022) a dynamic and ambitious new numismatic collector series that focuses on the 1,000-year-old kingdom and the sovereigns who have played a pivotal role in shaping the realm. Some of the most legendary monarchs have worn the English or British crown and the newly launched “British Monarchs Collection” uniquely celebrates these iconic kings and queens by providing a numismatic snapshot of their reign and chapters of history they represent. This five-year series features 21 monarchs in total, including iconic kings and queens from four royal houses: Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and Windsor, formerly known as Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

The British Monarchs Collection continues with a new addition. Building on the precedent set by the first coin in the series, the second release features another legendary royal with a design dedicated to James I – the Scottish king James VI who succeeded Elizabeth I to become king of England.

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·500 POUNDS·2022·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a finely recreated effigy of James VI and I as he appeared on the coins of the Jacobean era. Whilst the design first appeared on British coinage more than 400 years ago, this coinage portrait has been faithfully recreated as close to the original as possible using state-of-the-art technology.

James VI and I (James Charles Stuart; 1566–1625) was King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until his death in 1625. The kingdoms of Scotland and England were individual sovereign states, with their own parliaments, judiciaries, and laws, though both were ruled by James in personal union.

Iacobus Dei Gratia Magnae Britanniae Franciae et Hiberniae Rex means James by the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland

IACOBVS·D:G:MAG:BRIT:FRAN:ET·HIB:REX

Edge

500 Pounds

5th portrait, Five Ounce Gold Proof Coin
Sp# BMGC2
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 156.3 g
Diameter 50 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

5th portrait, One Ounce Silver Proof Coin, Henry VII

British Monarchs Collection

Silver, 31.21 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
5th portrait, One Ounce Silver Proof Coin, James VI and I

British Monarchs Collection

Silver, 31.21 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
5th portrait, One Ounce Silver Proof Coin, George I

British Monarchs Collection

Silver, 31.21 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm