Five Pounds 2015 Birth of Princess Charlotte, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.

The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.

The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.

This commemorative £5 Crown-sized coin celebrates the birth of Princess Charlotte, the second child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge was born on 2nd May, 2015, at St Mary's Hospital in London, the same place where both Princes William and Harry were both born, as well as her older brother, Prince George.

Her full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles, named after her grandfather, Prince Charles. Her middle names come from her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. Princess Charlotte is fourth in line to the throne of the United Kingdom.

The artist John Bergdahl also designed Prince George's Royal Christening Crown in 2013, and he kept this coin in line with the traditional appearance of the other coin.

The coin was released in CuproNickel in a presentation pack, as well as boxed versions in precious metals.