Five Pounds 2016 Queen's 90th Birthday, 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 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Mint says about the coin:
"Her Majesty The Queen has celebrated many landmark moments during her long and eventful reign birthdays, jubilees and wedding anniversaries and we have enjoyed each happy occasion with her. Now we celebrate with the Royal Family once again as Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first British monarch to reach a 90th birthday. As this much loved public figure reaches another remarkable milestone, at The Royal Mint we are delighted to release a commemorative coin for the occasion. To wish Her Majesty every happiness as royal history is made, acclaimed artist Christopher Hobbs has turned to her love of flowers for inspiration, his design approved by The Queen herself. As this is a more personal occasion, the artist has filled the classical wreath with natural rather than heraldic roses, with each one different to the next."