Coin | Five Pounds 2023 Coins for a Kingdom - Northern Ireland |
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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 coin, having the same reverse design as Norman Sillman's "Celtic Cross" £1 coin first issued in circulation in 1996, is part of a series called Coins for a Kingdom featuring the symbols of each of the four constituent nations of the United kingdom - where this design represents Northern Ireland, with a fifth design showing all of them together. |
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Obverse | |
The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, which shows his bare (uncrowned) head facing left.
Below the neck truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials MJ (for Martin Jennings).
Around, the monarch's legend followed by the face value and date of issue: CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 5 POUNDS · 2023 ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.
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Reverse | |
The reverse of the coin features a Celtic Cross with a Pimpernel Flower in the centre, surrounded by an ancient Torc. The symbols represent Northern Ireland - one of the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom
Around below, the value and denomination FIVE POUNDS. |
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Reverse Inscription |
FIVE POUNDS |
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Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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Notes | Finish: proof (NOT BU). Packaging: in a presentation card. Royal Mint Product Code: UK23RMEI.
The coin was not sold online, and was only available for purchase in person at the Royal Mint Experience (RME) at the mint's facility in Llantrisant, Wales. |
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See also |
Coins in The Four Nations / Coins for a Kingdom commemorative series include: - £1 ("The Last Round Pound"), 2016 - £5 The Four Nations, 2022 - £5 The Four Nations, 2023 - £5 Pride of England, 2023 - £5 Scotland, 2023 - £5 Northern Ireland, 2023 - £5 Wales, 2023 - 1/4 oz Gold Bullion, The Four Nations, 2024 - 2 oz Silver Bullion, The Four Nations, 2024 - £5 The Four Nations, 2024 - £5 England, 2024 - £5 Scotland, 2024 - £5 Northern Ireland, 2024 - £5 Wales, 2024
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