Five Pounds 2018 Prince Charles, 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 was issued to celebrate the 70th Birthday of the Prince of Wales and acknowledge the prince’s increased royal duties in recent years in helping the Queen carry out her role as monarch.

The Royal Mint says:
"With a commitment to serving the nation and supporting Her Majesty The Queen in official duties, The Prince of Wales has dedicated his life to helping others. Now in his 70th year, the prince shows no sign of slowing down. Last year alone saw the prince attend a remarkable 546 official occasions, while he also balances patronage to over 400 charitable organisations. This year The Prince of Wales has had important matters close to his heart keeping him busy, including the arrival of grandson HRH Prince Louis of Cambridge and the marriage of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex."

His new portrait on the reverse of the coin was designer by Robert Elderton, who also designed the commemorative coin for 40th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's coronation in 1993.