Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Mary Seacole
  • 5 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Mary Seacole
  • 5 Pounds 2023, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Mary Seacole, Fold-out packaging
Description

Mary Jane Seacole (1805–1881), born in Jamaica to a Creole mother with herbalist skills. In 1855, during the Crimean War, Seacole planned to establish the "British Hotel" to provide accommodations for sick officers. However, she adapted it into a restaurant/bar/catering service due to advice from chef Alexi Soyer. This venture became highly popular and was successful throughout the war. Her memoir, "Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands" (1857), details her experiences with food and encounters with officers during this time.

Initially, she missed the first three major battles of the war as she was busy attending to her gold investments in London. She had previously provided services for prospectors heading to the California Gold Rush in Panama. Later, she assisted on the battlefield during three battles by attending to the wounded after serving refreshments to spectators.

After her death, Seacole was largely forgotten for almost a century. Her autobiography, "Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands" (1857), was the first autobiography written by a black woman in Britain.

Notably, Mary Seacole was honored as the first Jamaican-British woman on a Royal Mint coin.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•5 POUNDS•2023
MJ

Reverse

Depicts an authentic portrait of Seacole, based on a genuine photograph with the British flag in the background. The image was believed to have been taken by a leading photographer favoured by Queen Victoria between the late 1860s and early 1870s, according to the Winchester College archive.

Engraver: Sandra Deiana (SD)

MARY
SEACOLE
SD

Edge
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

Silver Proof Coin

Mary Seacole

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
Silver Proof Piedfort Coin

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Gold Proof Coin

Mary Seacole

Silver, 39.94 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm