Gold Fifteen Kilos 2022 Platinum Jubilee, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. Most of these by tradition are measured in troy ounces of fractions thereof, but the mint also introduced metric coins measuring one kilogram of pure metal, then also two and five and seven kilograms, to which other very large sizes were added later.

This extremely large gold proof coin celebrates the Platinum Jubilee (70th anniversary) of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It features a special equestrian portrait of the Queen on the obverse, created for the occasion, showing her in her role as Head of the Armed Forces.

On the throne since 6 February 1952, at the date when the coin was issued Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state in history, the oldest living and longest-reigning current monarch, and the oldest and longest-serving incumbent head of state.

The Royal Mint issued a large variety of coins for the occasion. The largest of them (and the largest made the mint ever, at that point) was this unique 15-kilogram gold coin, which is a private commission for a UK collector and features a bespoke commemorative design that has been personally approved by the Queen.

The Royal Mint’s special release was designed by esteemed coinage artist John Bergdahl featuring a regal design befitting the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The reverse side depicts a crowned EIIR cypher surrounded by roses, daffodils, thistles and shamrocks, representing the United Kingdom. Adding original features to The Royal Mint’s largest coin, the reverse design includes a symbolic privy mark of the St Edward’s Crown worn during her coronation in 1953, positioned above the number 70, in recognition of Her Majesty’s momentous celebration.

The making of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s 15 kilo gold coin required almost 400 hours of craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art engraving and laser technology. Rather than being struck between two dies like a standard coin, the rare large coins are cut into a solid gold ingot by a high-speed precision milling machine before the processes of burnishing, polishing, and frosting are carried out by hand to highlight key elements within the designs.