New Zealand Post was privileged to bring to you this exquisite $5 coin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.
Highlights
- Sterling silver coin with 22 carat gold highlights
- Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Queen's coronation
- Featured St Edwards crown and floral symbols of commonwealth countries
- Worldwide mintage limit: 25,000.
Design
Unique to New Zealand, the coronation coin was a fitting tribute to a long and distinguished reign and followed the Queen Elizabeth II - Golden Jubilee coin that was issued in 2002.
This commemorative silver frosted $5 coin, lavishly presented in a Royal purple velvet case, depicted an image of the St Edwards crown between a stylised sprig of roses, thistles, shamrocks and the New Zealand fern frond on its reverse. The dates ‘1953’ and ‘2003’ appeared above the Crown whilst below, the words ‘FIVE DOLLARS’ are displayed.
The coin's obverse, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, featured the Queen's portrait in sterling .925 silver, highlighted in 22-carat gold.
The combination of the fern, rose, thistle and shamrock represented the recognised offical floral emblems of New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These emblems were among those embroidered on the Queen’s coronation gown, which was also worn when she opened the New Zealand Parliament on 12 January 1954. The St Edward’s crown was used in the actual coronation service in 1953. In 1956 a heraldic version of this crown replaced the crest (originally granted in 1911) in the New Zealand Coat of Arms.
By the Royal Titles Proclamation dated 28 May 1953 the Queen of the United Kingdom became The Queen of New Zealand, the first time a British sovereign has been so described. This design provided an appropriate theme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of both the Queen’s coronation and the proclamation of Her Majesty as the first ‘Queen of New Zealand’.
| Denomination: | Five New Zealand dollars |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Frosted proof |
| Composition: | 0.925 sterling silver with 22-carat gold highlights |
| Weight: | 28.28 grams |
| Diameter: | 38.61mm |
| Edge treatment: | Milled |
| Shape: | Round |
| Obverse design: | Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England |
| Reverse design: | St Edward’s Crown between a stylised sprig of roses, thistles and shamrocks and the New Zealand fern frond |
| Designed by: | Based on the original design of Phillip O'Shea, LVO, New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary to The Queen |
| Worldwide mintage limit: | 25,000 |
| Mint: | Royal British Mint |
