Elizabeth II 1953 Coronation Year Cupro-Nickel Five Shillings (Crown)
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Crown) · The Royal Mint (UK Government Corporation), established over 1,100 years ago, renowned for high-security coinage and precision engraving.
Pattern: Queen Elizabeth II First Portrait (Mary Gillick Design), Coronation Commemorative Issue, 1953.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Crown)
Maker
The Royal Mint (UK Government Corporation), established over 1,100 years ago, renowned for high-security coinage and precision engraving.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is frequently mistaken for silver but contains no silver content.
Dimensions
38.61 mm diameter, approximately 28.28 grams. Thickness is approximately 2.89 mm.
Description
A classic mid-century commemorative coin struck to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse features the youthful, optimistic portrait by Mary Gillick, depicting the Queen wearing a laurel wreath. This specific design was favored for its simplicity and grace before being replaced by more formal portraits in later decades.
Key Features
Gillick portrait (un-crowned, laureate), 1953 date, cupro-nickel luster, and the specific beaded rim layout.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is frequently mistaken for silver but contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-matte die-struck finish with a beaded border. Obverse features the 'Laureate' portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right. Reverse traditionally features the four quartered shields of the Royal Arms and a central crown.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as it is base metal. Obverse inscription: 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D:' (Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen, Defender of the Faith).
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at The Royal Mint using heavy industrial presses. Features a milled (reeded) edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender value of five shillings at time of issue; currently primarily a collector's item or pocket piece.
Handle & Grip Details
None; edge is milled to prevent clipping (a historical anti-counterfeiting measure).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. The Gillick portrait is noted for its low-relief elegance which was a departure from the high-relief Victorian and Georgian traditions.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck lettering consistency, correct diameter/weight for a Five Shilling piece, and the specific 'pinkish' oxidation characteristic of nickel alloys rather than silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom; manufactured at the Tower Hill or Llantrisant facilities of The Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Early Elizabethan / New Elizabethan Era (mid-20th Century). Specifically produced to commemorate the 1953 Coronation.
Age Estimate
Dated 1953 based on the specific obverse portrait and commemorative series history.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII 'New Elizabethan' optimism in Britain and remains a staple of 'heirloom' collections for British families.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Visible surface scratches (bag marks), minor rim dings, and significant 'fingerprint' tarnish/oxidation showing a brownish-pink hue common in handled cupro-nickel.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD depending on local demand and presence of original presentation box. Value is primarily historical rather than metallic.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or silver dips. Use only warm soapy water if necessary. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1951 Festival of Britain Crown (Cupro-nickel), British Silver Crowns (pre-1920 .925 or 1920-1946 .500 silver), and the 1965 Churchill Crown.
Interesting Facts
The 1953 Crown was the first 'commemorative' of the new reign. While nearly 6 million were minted, many were kept as souvenirs by the public, making them very common today.