Largest ever coin marks Platinum Jubilee

The coin, with a diameter of 220mm, is made of fine gold and has been hand-crafted to the highest standard, featuring a special-edition commemorative design on both sides that have been personally approved by The Queen.
 
The Royal Mint’s special release was designed by coin artist John Bergdahl and depicts a crowned EIIR cypher surrounded by roses, daffodils, thistles and shamrocks, representing the United Kingdom.

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The reverse design includes a symbolic privy mark of the St Edward’s Crown worn during her coronation in 1953, positioned above the number ‘70’, in recognition of Her Majesty’s momentous celebration. 
 
On the obverse side of the coin, a special commemorative design depicting The Queen on horseback is engraved on the precious metal.

Inspired by the 1953 coronation crown coin created by Gilbert Ledward RA and the 2002 Golden Jubilee crown by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, the equestrian design has been created especially for the commemorative Platinum Jubilee collection, available from £7, at The Royal Mint.

Making the special coin

The making of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s 15 kilo gold coin required almost 400 hours of craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art engraving and laser technology.

Rather than being struck between two dies like a standard coin, the rare large coins are cut into a solid gold ingot by a high-speed precision milling machine before the processes of burnishing, polishing, and frosting are carried out by hand to highlight key elements within the designs.

Not available to buy

The one-off coin is not available to buy, and was commissioned by a private collector, who explained:

'As a long-standing customer of The Royal Mint, I have invested in unique and interesting coins marking moments throughout The Queen’s reign that will remain in my family for generations.

'The latest and greatest in my collection is the Platinum Jubilee coin, designed by John Bergdahl and brought to life in 15 kilograms of solid gold. The beautiful design stands apart as a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s service to our nation and the craftsmanship is simply breath-taking, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime moment will live on in history on UK coin.'

Paul Morgan, Technical Manager at The Royal Mint, added:

'As the largest UK coin to date, the scale and diameter of the piece has allowed us to push the boundaries of minting to produce an exceptional level of relief and detail. It is a true testament to the expertise and skills of our in-house design and production teams, and their ability to collaborate with the finest artists.

'The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology has produced a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art.'

Other Platinum Jubilee coins

For The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, The Royal Mint launched one of the largest ever commemorative collections, including a traditional £5 crown and the first Royalty themed 50p. 

In special recognition of the national celebration, 1.3 million 50p coins entered circulation to mark the anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne, with a limited mintage of 5,000,070.

The commemorative 50p is also being gifted to 7,000 children completing the RFS Junior Forester Award in partnership with The Queen’s Green Canopy.