Five Pounds 2018 Sapphire Anniversary, 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 Sapphire Jubilee (65th anniversary) of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Mint says:
"A royal year of celebration in 2018 continues with a very important anniversary. Having become our longest reigning monarch in 2015 and celebrating her 90th birthday in 2016, the remarkable reign of Her Majesty The Queen presents another historic milestone as we mark the 65th anniversary of her coronation.

Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to reach such a milestone, and the occasion demands a fitting celebration. Two designs and a limited edition range of coins have been created especially for the occasion, available in versions from a Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin to a gold Proof kilo coin."