2002 Queen Elizabeth II - Golden Jubilee Silver Proof Coin

The British Royal Mint established a dedicated coin programme for 12 countries in the Commonwealth to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Accession to the Throne in 1952. Each country developed its own design to honour this distinguished and much-admired Monarch.

New Zealand's commemorative silver frosted proof $5 coin, lavishly presented in a Royal purple velvet case, depicted an image of the Sceptre with the Cross, designed by Robert Lowe. A revered symbol of Royal authority and a key part of the Coronation ceremony and Royal regalia, the Sceptre symbolises the Queen's temporal power over her people. It is dominated by the fabulous Great Star of Africa - the world's largest cut diamond when set into the Sceptre in 1910.

The coin's obverse, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, featured the Queen's portrait in sterling .925 silver, highlighted in 22-carat gold.

Weighing just under 30 grams, this was a timeless reminder of a once in a lifetime event.