The British Royal Mint has released a new 2008 commemorative £5 coin celebrating the 450th anniversary of the accession of Elizabeth I. The attractive, limited edition commemorative coin comes in Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof versions and bears a uniquely interesting reverse design.
On 17 November 1558 the 25-year-old Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen of England. According to the British Royal Mint:
She became one of the best-loved and influential English monarchs, whose date of accession remained a national holiday for 200 years …
Inspired by the magnificent ‘Armada’ portrait of Elizabeth by George Gower, the Queen is crowned and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches. A Tudor rose has been placed at each connecting point while the two side arches each contain a beautiful leaf pattern reminiscent of the carvings made by the Queen’s loyal servant and friend, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The year of her accession and the year of the anniversary are both shown in Roman numerals with the inscription ELIZABETH REGINA.
The designers and specifications of the 2008 Elizabeth I Anniversary commemorative coin
The obverse or heads side of the commemorative coin has an image of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. The reverse or tails side of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and was created by silversmith Rod Kelly.
The uncirculated coin has the following specifications:
- Denomination: £5
- Composition: Cupro-nickel
- Weight: 28.28 grams
- Diameter: 38.61 mm
Order information and prices, Britain and US (Canadian province prices available online through provided links)
The 2008 Commemorative Coin can be purchased within several Royal Mint products.
The special 2008 Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown Presentation Folder
The attractive folder contains one coin and is filled with information pertaining to the Elizabethan era and reigns. It’s limited to 500,000 sets.
The prices:
- $19.95 (US)
- £9.95 (GBP)
The presentation folder with coin can be ordered online through the British Royal Mint page, 2008 Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown Presentation Folder. Phone orders should be directed to 0845 60 88 222.
2008 Executive Proof Coin Set
The oak veneer case for Executive Proof Set of 2008 contains 11 coins, is limited to 5,000 sets and is available to UK customers only.
In addition to the 2008 Elizabeth I Anniversary Commemorative Coin, two other proof commemorative coins are included: one coin celebrating the 60th birthday of Prince Charles and the other a special £2 coin commemorating the centenary of the 4th Olympiad.
Also within the set are 8 proof coins comprising the United Kingdom’s legal tender coins for 2008.
The price is:
- £79.95
The set can be ordered online through the British Royal Mint page, 2008 Executive Proof Coin Set. Phone orders should be directed to 0845 60 88 222.
2008 Deluxe Proof Coin Set
The black leather case for the Deluxe Proof Coin Set is available to UK customers only. It contains the same 11 coins included in the 2008 Executive Proof Coin Set and is limited to 15,000 sets.
The price is:
- £49.95
The set can be ordered online through the British Royal Mint page, 2008 Deluxe Proof Coin Set. Phone orders should be directed to 0845 60 88 222.
2008 Standard Proof Coin Set
The black case for the 2008 Standard Proof Coin Set is available to UK customers only. It contains the same 11 coins included in the 2008 Executive Proof Coin Set and is limited to 30,000 sets.
The price is:
- £39.95
The set can be ordered online through the British Royal Mint page, 2008 Standard Proof Coin Set. Phone orders should be directed to 0845 60 88 222.
2008 Family Silver Collection
The Family Silver Collection includes two crowns celebrating the 60th birthday of His Majesty The Prince of Wales and the 450th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I, the Britannia £2 coin with its brand new design, the £2 coin commemorating the centenary of the London Olympic Games and the £1 coin bearing the Royal Arms on the occasion of the coin’s 25th anniversary.
The collection is limited to only 5,000 sets and is available to UK customers only.
The price is:
- £179.95
The set can be ordered online through the British Royal Mint page, 2008 Family Silver Collection. Phone orders should be directed to 0845 60 88 222.
