Five Pounds 2022 Queen's Reign - Honours and Investitures, 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 first design in The Queen’s Reign Collection, it focuses on Her Majesty’s awards and honours, which is a system that recognises individual service in many forms.

Featuring reverse designs by the Irish artist and illustrator Patrick James (P. J.) Lynch, the coins in this limited collection of three UK coins honour 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:
In the distant past, titles and honours would have been the sole preserve of the monarch. In medieval times, the monarch could give gifts of money or land via a preferential system that later gave way to appointment to orders of chivalry. Society has since transformed and, as the roles of the monarchy and government have changed, parliament and the Cabinet are now responsible for nominating almost all recipients, although the awards and honours are still made in the name of Her Majesty The Queen.

Today, awards and honours are more democratic, as anyone can recommend someone for an award, and focus on recognising individuals’ contributions to society. That could be through charity work and fundraising, via military careers or government service, or for their contribution to areas that enhance all our lives, such as science, culture and the arts. Eagerly awaited by the public, the Honours Lists are released twice a year: at New Year and on The Queen’s official birthday in June. From paramedics and teachers to lollipop ladies and foster parents, the honours provide an opportunity to recognise people for their extraordinary actions.

Along with knighthoods, the most well-known awards are probably the MBE and OBE, as well as military medals such as the George Cross, which was established by The Queen’s father George VI to recognise bravery when not under enemy fire. Queen Elizabeth II, just as the monarchs who have gone before her, has also left her own mark with the Elizabeth Cross, which was introduced in 2009 to honour families who have lost loved ones in conflict or to terrorism. To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, a medal will be awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces as a mark of the nation’s thanks.