The UK honors Princess Anne's 75th birthday with a commemorative £5 coin, marking a lifetime of service and dedication. Discover the coin's design and significance.
Princess Anne's 75th Birthday Celebrated with Historic UK Coin
To honor Princess Anne's remarkable 75 years, the UK has released its first-ever coin dedicated to the Princess Royal, celebrating her unwavering duty.
A Royal Milestone Marked in Silver and Gold
Princess Anne, often hailed as the hardest-working royal, reached her 75th birthday on August 15th. To commemorate this milestone, the Royal Mint unveiled a special £5 coin, affectionately called the 'Anne-iversary coin,' which received personal approval from the Princess Royal herself. This marks a significant moment in British numismatic history, celebrating a lifetime of royal service.
The Coin's Design: A Tribute to Duty and Devotion
The coin features a portrait of Princess Anne adorned with the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara and her signature bouffant hairstyle. The inscription 'The Princess Royal – Celebrating 75 Years – Duty and Devotion' surrounds the image, honoring her commitment to royal duties. The coin's designer, Thomas T Docherty, aimed to capture her 'strength of character' and 'understated elegance.' The portrait is based on a photograph by John Swannell, showing the Princess staring directly at the camera.
A Closer Look at the Details
The Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, worn by Princess Anne on the coin, has a rich history. It was originally a wedding anniversary gift from King George VI to Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother), who then gifted it to Anne in 1973. Princess Anne is also depicted wearing aquamarine pendant and earrings, believed to have been crafted from the tiara itself after she had it altered in the 1990s.
Where to Get Your 'Anne-iversary Coin'
The commemorative coin was available for purchase from the Royal Mint's website starting July 18th. The brilliant uncirculated edition is priced at £17.50. Collectors can also find other versions, including a silver proof (£110), a silver proof piedfort (£208), and a gold proof (£4,110). The coin is also available in sets that include George VI coins from 1950, the year of Princess Anne's birth, with prices ranging from £25 to £4,500.
A Royal Life of Dedication
Princess Anne's life has been marked by unwavering dedication to her royal duties. From surviving a kidnapping attempt to competing in the Olympics and supporting her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment. In the past year alone, she undertook nearly 400 official engagements, more than any other member of the Royal Family. This coin is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.
Final Thoughts
So, keep your eyes peeled, coin collectors! While you're at it, don't forget to check your spare change for those rare undated 20p coins or the Olympic aquatics 50p with the swimmer sporting water lines on their face. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a small fortune while celebrating Princess Anne's big year!
