Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 10 Pounds 2022, Sp# BMSC4, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, British Monarchs Collection, Edward VII
  • 10 Pounds 2022, Sp# BMSC4, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, British Monarchs Collection, Edward VII
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 enters the Edwardian era with a new coin dedicated to Edward VII. The son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the popular king left a lasting legacy despite his relatively short reign. The fourth coin in the collection features a contemporary recreation of a portrait that appeared on the coinage in the United Kingdom and around the world at the turn of the twentieth century.

The coins were produced before the Queen's death in September, but the Royal Mint said it was not replacing it with the portrait of King Charles III to minimise waste or unnecessary environmental impact.

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·10 POUNDS·2022·
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a finely recreated effigy of King Edward VII as he appeared on the coins of the Edwardian era, showing the King without a laurel wreath or crown as was the custom. The portrait, created by the engraver George William De Saulles, was referred to as the “bare head” and portrayed Edward VII intricately detailed and facing to the right. Due to great advancements in minting processes and the use of large-scale models in the designing process enabled the hand of the sculptor, rather than the engraver, to create stylised naturalistic portraits. DeSaulles’ portrait of the King is faithfully remastered using the most advanced technology resulting in a detailed, replicated effigy and overall obverse design.

Edwardus VII Dei Gratia Britanniarum Omnium Rex Fidei Defensor Indiae Imperator means Edward VII by the Grace of God King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith and Emperor of India.

Edward VII (Albert Edward; 1841–1910) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910. The Edwardian era, which covered Edward's reign and was named after him, coincided with the start of a new century and heralded significant changes in technology and society, including steam turbine propulsion and the rise of socialism.

EDWARDVS VII DEI: GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX: FID: DEF: IND: IMP:

Edge

10 Pounds

5th portrait, Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Sp# BMSC4
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 156.3 g
Diameter 65 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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