Five Pounds 2022 Queen's Reign - Commonwealth, 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 £5 Crown-sized commemorative coin is part of a range celebrating the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The third and final design in The Queen’s Reign Collection, it focuses on Her Majesty’s status as Head of the Commonwealth.

Featuring reverse designs by the Irish artist and illustrator Patrick James (P. J.) Lynch, the coins in this limited collection of three UK coins honours The Queen’s contribution to society and the common good. Each of the artist’s designs feature The Queen’s iconic signature as a symbol of her personal commitment to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

The Mint says:
Even before the beginning of her reign, the Commonwealth has been close to Her Majesty The Queen’s heart. On her 21st birthday, she made a promise to dedicate her life to the service of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth - a promise she has kept ever since.

Princess Elizabeth became queen at the beginning of a tour of Commonwealth countries on behalf of her father George VI. She received the news of her father’s death and her ascension whilst she was in Kenya, inheriting his role as head of an evolving alliance of countries, bound not by colonial ties but by mutual interests and a shared history.

Today, the Commonwealth is a family of more than 50 countries who work together for the benefit of all members, each with an equal say, no matter their size or population. Just as she inherited her role as Head of the Commonwealth from her father, The Queen is considering the future, with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales confirmed as the next Head of the Commonwealth, and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge having toured Commonwealth countries on Her Majesty’s behalf.