2022 is a year in which the jubilees of two of the world’s longest reigning monarchs are being celebrated.
HM Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in February 1952. In addition to Great Britain, she is the head of state for 16 other countries around the world, as well as the Head of the Commonwealth, comprising 53 nations.
A number of celebrations marking her platinum jubilee (70 years) will be taking place this year. Among them is the issue by the Royal Mint of a series of commemorative coins, including a 50p and a £5 crown, both of which are available in a range of base and precious metals.
The 50p is the first of its denomination to celebrate a royal event. In place of the customary effigy of the Queen’s head that appears on all UK coins, the front features a new image of her on horseback, and the reverse a modern graphic of the numeral 70. In addition to the coins available for sale, the Royal Mint is gifting 7,000 to children who complete the special Jubilee edition of the Queen’s Green Canopy RFS Junior Forester Award, which aims to inspire young people to learn about the benefits of trees and assist in woodland management in their local community.
The commemorative £5 also contains the new images, but follows the tradition of markings on previous jubilees on crown pieces, while a special edition platinum set has been added to the range. The crown has the edge lettering ‘Serve You All the Days of My Life’.
HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, meanwhile, is celebrating her golden jubilee, having acceded to the throne 50 years ago, in January 1972.
The new coin features a profile of Queen Margrethe on one side, and a motif on the other incorporating the number 50 and a pattern repeated four times around the face of the coin inspired by the four wings of Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence in Copenhagen.
Three versions of the coin are available – a 500 Danish kroner, a 20 kroner for everyday use and another 20 kroner ‘on which the motif appears extra sharp’, according to the Royal House’s website.
Th new coins were released on 14 January, the anniversary of the actual date of Queen Margrethe’s accession.
