| Coin | Silver Kilo 2020 The Three Graces |
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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 (they are actually fractionally heavier as a whole, to account for the small amount of other metal in the alloy).
The 1 kg silver coins are denominated as Five Hundred Pounds (£500), although their intrinsic (bullion) value is much higher than their face value. The coins vary in design depending on the occasion (they are "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art.
This coin is part of the second release of gold and silver collector’s coins in the collector series entitled the “Great Engravers", issued to highlight some of the Royal Mint’s great artisans who have made significant contributions to British coinage - many regarded as numismatic masterpieces. The first issue featured Una and the Lion.
Created by the renowned engraver, William Wyon, early in his decorated career with the Royal Mint, the original coin known as The Three Graces was a pattern made in 1817 for a Crown denomination produced late in the reign of King George III; it was never circulated but has earned a reputation for its attractive and symbolic reverse. The art world that Wyon was establishing himself in was dominated by neoclassicism. Its proponents were influenced by stories of Ancient Greece and Rome and the simple, symmetrical style they saw in artefacts, engravings and on their Grand Tours of Europe. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin depicts the crowned old head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem crown worn for her Coronation (her effigy known as the "Fifth Portrait").
In small letters below the head, the artist's initials J.C (for Jody Clark).
Running continuously around the effigy is the monarch's legend, followed by the date of issue and the face value: ELIZABETH II · D · G · REG · F · D · 500 POUNDS · 2020 ·. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith, followed by the value and denomination in English and the year.
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the reverse features, from left to right, the female representations of Ireland, England and Scotland. They are identified by the implements at their feet - respectively a harp, a shield bearing the cross of St George and an oversized thistle; additionally, the also carry floral symbols in their crowns: shamrocks, roses and more thistles.
The engravers name W. WYON. is to the left of the harp.
England, (or maybe Britannia), is perhaps the elder sister, standing taller than the other women who look at her with affection. This is an idealised representation of the union between the three nations, formed as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801. Wales is not represented here, but then that would have disrupted the neat parallel with the three charities of Greek mythology.
The design owes much to Antonio Canova's famous statue, The Three Graces - hence the coin's nickname; however, the figures in the statue are naked while those on the coin are fully dressed, in Classical style.
The inscription around above, interrupted by the figures, reads FOEDUS INVIOLABILE (Inviolable League).
In the exergue, a crossed palm frond and a ship's rudder. The palm frond symbolises both victory - reminding of the recent victory at Waterloo - and peace. The ship's rudder is a symbol of the British maritime might. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
FOEDUS INVIOLABILE |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | The coins were announced in March 2021.
Finish: Proof FDC. |
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| See also |
Coins featuring The Three Graces include:
- Crown Pattern 1817 The Three Graces (the original issue)
- 5 kg Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 3 kg Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 2 kg Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 1 kg Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 10 oz Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2021
- 5 oz Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 5 oz Gold, The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 5 oz Gold, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- 2 oz Gold, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 2 oz Gold, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- Gold Crown, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- Five Pounds Gold, The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 1 oz Gold, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- Sovereign,The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- Half Sovereign,The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- Quarter Sovereign ,The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 2 kg Silver, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 1 kg Silver, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 1 kg Silver, The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 1 kg Silver, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- 10 oz Silver, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 5 oz Silver, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 5 oz Silver, The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 5 oz Silver, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- 2 oz Silver, The Three Graces, United Kingdom 2020
- 2 oz Silver, The Three Graces, Alderney 2020
- 2 oz Silver, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- 1 oz Silver, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- Silver Crown, The Three Graces, Saint Helena 2021
- £5 Wedgwood Jasperware (Ceramic), The Three Graces, Tristan da Cunha 2018
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