Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Commemorative Crown Coin (1977)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Commemorative) · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom with over 1,100 years of history.
Pattern: 1977 Silver Jubilee Commemorative Issue; Reverse design by Arnold Machin, Obverse design by Arnold Machin.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Commemorative)
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the United Kingdom with over 1,100 years of history.
Material
Cupro-Nickel (Standard circulation version) or .925 Sterling Silver (Proof version). Given the visible tarnish and surface texture, this appears to be the common Cupro-Nickel (copper-nickel) version. It contains no silver if it is the currency-issue crown.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.61 mm; Thickness: 2.89 mm; Weight: 28.28 grams. This is the standard size for a British Crown/25 Pence piece.
Description
This piece is a 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown, issued to celebrate the 25-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The design is notable for the equestrian portrait of the Queen, a rare motif in modern coinage that recalls the 1953 Coronation Crown. While called a 'Silver' Jubilee crown, the vast majority were struck in a base metal alloy to allow for mass distribution across the Commonwealth.
Key Features
Equestrian portrait of the Queen in the uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards; large 38mm crown size; unique denomination of 25 New Pence.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (Standard circulation version) or .925 Sterling Silver (Proof version). Given the visible tarnish and surface texture, this appears to be the common Cupro-Nickel (copper-nickel) version. It contains no silver if it is the currency-issue crown.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with raised relief. The obverse depicts Queen Elizabeth II on horseback (an equestrian portrait), styled after the 1953 Coronation crown. The reverse (not fully visible but inferred) typically features the floral emblems of the UK and the Ampulla and Spoon of the Coronation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks are present on cupro-nickel versions. It features the circumscription 'ELIZABETH II DG REG FD' (Elizabeth II by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and the specific 'SILVER JUBILEE 1977' text.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-milled. The edge is milled (reeded) to prevent clipping and for aesthetic finish.
Functional Features
Legal tender in the UK for 25p (though rarely used in commerce). It is primarily a commemorative collector's piece.
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; circular coin form with a raised protective rim to prevent wear on the central design.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine die-striking. The relief is shallow compared to Victorian crowns but maintains crisp edges on the lettering and the royal silhouette.
Authentication Indicators
The typography and profile of the equestrian portrait are consistent with Royal Mint production. The greenish-brown tarnish is a typical indicator of nickel-copper oxidation rather than silver sulfide.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales, United Kingdom; struck at the Royal Mint's high-capacity facility.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee (1977). This period marked the 25th anniversary of the Queen's accession.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1977. 47 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
A major artifact of British royal celebration, these were often given to school children in 1977 and served as a symbol of national unity and historical continuity during the 1970s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface oxidation, light tarnish, and minor scratches/scuffing. The image shows significant 'bag marks' and handling wear, reducing its numismatic grade.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 USD for the cupro-nickel version. If it were the scarce Sterling Silver Proof version in its original case, it would be valued at $25.00 - $40.00 USD based on silver melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
For cupro-nickel coins, avoid abrasive cleaning which removes the 'luster.' Store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free paper envelope to prevent 'green slime' or further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1953 Coronation Crown (similar equestrian design but different date); 1980 Queen Mother 80th Birthday Crown; 1981 Royal Wedding Crown.
Interesting Facts
Despite having a face value of 25p, these coins were produced in such massive quantities (over 37 million) that most remain worth only their face value today.