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 Four Generations of the Royal Family.
The Royal Mint says: "When His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge was christened, the nation was delighted to see four generations of the Royal Family coming together for the happy occasion. It was a sign of Her Majesty The Queen’s long and happy reign. The moment symbolised stability, experience and the promise of the Windsor dynasty, with four successive generations of the Royal Family together for the first time in more than 100 years.
To mark the moment, The Queen, her son His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, her grandson His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and her great-grandson Prince George of Cambridge are honoured together for the first time on an official UK coin." |