Five Pounds 1996 Queen's 70th Birthday, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Effigy of the ruling British monarch, legend (in Latin).

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she used to wear on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.

Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).

Around, the monarch's legend: ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA · F · D · FIVE POUNDS ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

Note that the value and denomination, · FIVE POUNDS ·, are on the obverse.

The reverse shows Windsor Castle with five flying pennants (banners, or flags), two of them being forked and showing the anniversary dates 1926 and 1996, the others with the Royal Arms, the Union Flag and the Queen's personal flag - with a crowned monogram E at centre.

The designer's initials AV (for Avril Vaughan) can be seen in very small incuse letters in the right field of the ground next to Windsor Castle.

Mintage figure comprised of:
2,396,100 circulation coins
73,311 specimen coins released in presentation folder
67,581 proofs
Off-metal strikes not included.