The Queen on horseback is a subject British crowns already knew: the 1953 Coronation crown also showed Elizabeth II mounted. In 2002 the image returned on a £5 crown issued for the Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of her reign, counted from 6 February 1952, when her father, King George VI, died.

Both sides of the coin were designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, author of the portrait of the Queen struck on British coins from the beginning of 1998. One side shows the Queen on horseback, surrounded by the legend ELIZABETH II DEI GRA REGINA FID DEF and the Latin motto AMOR POPULI PRAESIDIUM REG, «The love of the people is the Queen’s protection». The other carries a special jubilee portrait: a crowned bust of Elizabeth II in robes of state, with the value FIVE POUNDS below. The usual standard portrait does not appear on this crown at all.

The jubilee itself was celebrated throughout 2002. The Queen and Prince Philip travelled some 40,000 miles across the Commonwealth and every region of the United Kingdom, the Prom at the Palace and Party at the Palace concerts were held at Buckingham Palace, and on 4 June a National Service of Thanksgiving took place at St Paul’s Cathedral. The motto on the crown speaks of the same thing: the bond between monarch and people that the country was celebrating.

In the same year the Royal Mint also issued a memorial crown for the Queen Mother, so in a date run of £5 crowns 2002 is represented by two coins. The Jubilee crown could be obtained at face value but was issued as a commemorative rather than for spending. For a collection on the reign of Elizabeth II it is a key piece that sits well beside the 1953 Coronation crown.

The VF-AU grade runs from Very Fine, with wear visible on the high points of the relief but the main details and inscriptions clear, to About Uncirculated, with only faint rubbing on the highest points and almost all of the lustre retained.

At VPcoins you will find coins for a collection, for a gift, or simply for the pleasure of owning them.