On 2 June 1953 Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey, and half a century later Ascension Island marked the date with this crown-sized 50 pence.

The reverse legend states the occasion plainly, «CORONATION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II», alongside the royal cipher «E II R» and the dates «1953-2003». The obverse bears Raphael Maklouf’s crowned portrait of Elizabeth II and the island’s name, «ASCENSION ISLAND».

The 1953 coronation went down in history as the first to be televised: millions of people saw for the first time a ceremony once witnessed only by those inside the Abbey. The coin continues the run of royal anniversaries Ascension marked in the early 2000s: the Queen Mother’s centenary, the Queen’s 75th birthday and the Golden Jubilee.

Ascension is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic; its own coins are issued as commemoratives and do not circulate. It is a natural piece for a coronation of Elizabeth II theme and for a collection of British overseas territories.

UNC condition: the coin has never circulated, shows no wear and keeps its mint lustre.

A coin from the VPcoins range makes a good starting point for a themed selection or a date run.