Silver Ten Ounces 2020 The Three Graces, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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 · 10 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.

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.

The silver ten-ounce Three Graces coin was already pre-sold when announced by the Royal Mint; in other words, it was never available to the general public.