Queen Elizabeth II Coronation 1953 Cupro-Nickel Five Shilling Crown
Coin/Numismatic Object · 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, it is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious minting institutions.
Pattern: Commemorative Coronation Crown; Obverse Designer: Gilbert Ledward; Reverse Designer: Edgar Fuller and Cecil Thomas.
Type
Coin/Numismatic Object
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, it is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious minting institutions.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is frequently mistaken for silver by collectors because of its 'silver' appearance, but it contains no precious metal content unless it is the rare silver proof version (which this appears not to be based on surface luster and wear).
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.61 mm (approx. 1.5 inches); Weight: 28.28 grams. Thickness: approx 3mm.
Description
This 1953 Five Shilling Crown is a classic piece of British numismatic history, struck to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse features an unusual equestrian portrait of the young Queen in her Colonel-in-Chief uniform of the Grenadier Guards, a departure from the traditional profile bust. The reverse displays the royal arms and floral emblems of the UK nations. While it has the lustrous appearance of silver, this circulation-standard issue was struck in cupro-nickel.
Key Features
Equestrian portrait of the Queen on horseback; 'Five Shillings' denomination; 1953 date; Coronation commemorative status.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is frequently mistaken for silver by collectors because of its 'silver' appearance, but it contains no precious metal content unless it is the rare silver proof version (which this appears not to be based on surface luster and wear).
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish with beaded border. Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II on horseback (equestrian portrait) in the style of the period. Reverse: Four quartered shields of the United Kingdom around a central crown and floral emblems (rose, thistle, shamrock, leek).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks, as it is legal tender coinage rather than silver plate or jewelry. Legibility includes 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.' and the year '1953'.
Construction Details
Die-struck/milled by high-pressure industrial coin presses at the Royal Mint. Features a reeded edge (milled) to prevent clipping.
Functional Features
Legal tender with a face value of Five Shillings (one crown), though primarily issued as a commemorative souvenir.
Handle & Grip Details
None (not applicable for coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial precision strike. The detail in the Queen's uniform and the horse's musculature demonstrates the high-quality engraving work of the Royal Mint's 20th-century artists.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic edge reeding; correct font for 1953 Royal Mint issues; Gilbert Ledward's design details are crisp but show typical circulation wear. Lack of silver hallmarks is correct for this base-metal issue.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom (The Royal Mint, then located at Tower Hill).
Era & Period
New Elizabethan Era / Mid-Century British (1953). Issued to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1953.
Cultural Significance
Represents the national celebration and 'New Elizabethan Age' optimism following WWII. It was a primary souvenir for the British public during the 1953 coronation festivities.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Visible surface scratches (bag marks) and light 'greying' of the metal characteristic of cupro-nickel. No major nicks or rim dings, but lacks the mirror finish of a 'Proof' strike.
Value Estimate
$3.00 - $10.00 USD. Value is largely sentimental or historical rather than metal-based, as it contains no silver. Uncirculated examples fetch the higher end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver creams, as this can ruin 'numismatic value'. If dirty, wash in warm soapy water and pat dry. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free paper envelope to prevent 'green slime' corrosion.
Similar Pieces
1951 Festival of Britain Crown (George VI); 1960 New York Exhibition Crown; 1965 Churchill Commemorative Crown. These are also cupro-nickel and often mistaken for silver.
Interesting Facts
This was the first crown of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the only one to feature her on horseback. Despite 5.9 million being minted, many were kept as family heirlooms, making them very common today.