This prestigious coin collection celebrates key events and traditions celebrated during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and will be revered by future generations as the definitive royal coin collection. The collection pays tribute to the story of The Queen’s reign, serving to remind us of the long-standing traditions that bring continuity to our royal family, such as the Order of the Garter, the Changing of the Guard and the State Opening of Parliament. The coins also trace the key technological and cultural changes that have occurred during her reign, as well as Her Majesty’s personal interests and passions such as The Royal Yacht Britannia and Royal Ascot.
The collection also honours Her Majesty’s role as Head of the Commonwealth. This truly international collection features coins issued by the Royal Mint on behalf of 15 Commonwealth countries. Coin collectors throughout the world will quickly acquire this once-in-a-lifetime collection.
It is unlikely that we will witness another Diamond Jubilee in our lifetime or our children’s lifetime. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Collection will therefore be a lasting memento of this historic event and will be treasured by both yourself and future generations.
The Official Diamond Jubilee Collection, telling the story of The Queen’s 60-year reign, has been approved by Her Majesty herself.
The Royal Mint has been at the heart of British coinage for well over 1,000 years, creating coins with compelling designs that can pinpoint a moment in time. This coin set will forever celebrate 2012 and the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A Diamond Jubilee is truly special. In Britain’s long history there has only ever been one before now, that of Victoria, The Queen’s great-great-grandmother. Queen Victoria’s own Diamond Jubilee in 1897 shared the spirit of national pride that is still enjoyed on momentous Royal occasions today. And the festivities were not limited to Britain, for the longest-reigning female monarch in history presided over a quarter of the world’s population and Empire was at the very heart of Queen Victoria’s triumphant Jubilee.
Coins and medals are a traditional and permanent way of commemorating significant historic events. In 1887 the Royal Mint struck a spectacular medal to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The design, by engraver and sculptor Thomas Brock, features the veiled bust of the ‘Old Head’ Victoria on the obverse while the reverse depicts the famous ‘Young Head’ portrait of Queen Victoria. These medals are much prized by collectors today.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will centre around an extended weekend from 2-5 June 2012 and, just as they did in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee and again for the Golden Jubilee in 2002, people in their millions will unite to honour a Queen who has done exactly what she promised all those years ago on her twenty-first birthday, a Queen who has reigned with grace and dignity for 60 years.