1977 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Commemorative Crown
Coin/Bullion - Commemorative Crown (25 Pence) · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom, founded over 1,100 years ago.
Pattern: Silver Jubilee Commemorative Issue, 1977. Designed by Arnold Machin. One-off production year.
Type
Coin/Bullion - Commemorative Crown (25 Pence)
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom, founded over 1,100 years ago.
Material
Cupro-Nickel (Copper-Nickel alloy). Note: While commonly referred to as a 'Silver' Jubilee coin, the standard circulation-strike versions contain 0% silver. A limited 'Proof' version was struck in .925 Sterling Silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.61 mm (Large crown size). Weight: 28.28 grams. Thickness: 2.89 mm.
Description
This 1977 crown is one of the most recognizable pieces of British numismatic history. Commemorating the 25th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the obverse design pays homage to the 1953 Coronation Crown, depicting the monarch on horseback. The equestrian portrait by Arnold Machin is celebrated for its classicism. Unlike modern small denominations, this 'Large Crown' format carries significant heft and presence, designed as a physical memento of national celebration.
Key Features
Equestrian portrait of Elizabeth II; 1977 date; large 38mm diameter; Machin's signature style; Cupro-nickel luster.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (Copper-Nickel alloy). Note: While commonly referred to as a 'Silver' Jubilee coin, the standard circulation-strike versions contain 0% silver. A limited 'Proof' version was struck in .925 Sterling Silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Matte finish with relief. Obverse features Queen Elizabeth II on horseback in her Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards uniform. Reverse (not shown) features the Coronation regalia within a floral border. Decorative beading around the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks, as it is a base metal coin. Legend reads: 'ELIZABETH II DG REG FD 1977' (Elizabeth II by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith). No mint mark as is standard for London/Llantrisant strikes.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck by a mechanical press at The Royal Mint. Milled (reeded) edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender in the UK with a face value of 25 pence, though primarily intended as a commemorative souvenir. Non-functional for modern vending machines.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form with a flat, circular profile and reeded edge for tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking. The detail in the Queen's uniform and the horse's musculature demonstrates the precision of The Royal Mint's 20th-century engravers and machinery.
Authentication Indicators
Diameter and weight are the primary indicators; the strike quality is consistent with Royal Mint standards. The metal has the characteristic duller grey luster of cupro-nickel rather than the white brilliance of silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom. Produced by The Royal Mint using industrial high-pressure coining presses.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Elizabethan Era. Specifically designed for the 25th anniversary of the Queen's accession (1952-1977).
Age Estimate
Dated 1977. This corresponds to the year of strike for the Silver Jubilee.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of British royalism in the 1970s; millions were given to schoolchildren across the UK as a commemorative gift, cementing its role as a nostalgic totem of the era.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine. Visible surface contact marks (bag marks) typical of coins kept in drawers rather than protected cases. No significant verdigris or corrosion, but showing light oxidation common for copper-nickel.
Value Estimate
$1.00 to $5.00 USD. Value is nominal due to the high mintage (37 million+). The Sterling Silver Proof version is valued significantly higher ($30-$50).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a coin capsule to prevent further oxidation. Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprint oils.
Similar Pieces
1953 Coronation Crown (similar equestrian theme); 1981 Royal Wedding Crown (Charles and Diana); 1977 Sterling Silver Proof Crown (identical design but made of .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
Over 37 million of these coins were struck, making it one of the most common 'antiques' found in British households today; it was the first British coin to not feature a denomination on its face.