Made from 99.99% pure gold, the anniversary release has been adorned in rose gold gilding.
With a mintage of just 150, this extremely rare 2oz gold proof coin presents an exclusive opportunity to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s coronation, which took place on 28 June 1838.
To mark the occasion, we’ve chosen to represent the famous ’Young Head’ portrait of Victoria on the coin’s reverse. The Queen was especially fond of this image, which subsequently graced her coinage for 50 years (including gold coins made in Australia between 1871 and 1887).
It was created by outstanding medallist William Wyon, chief engraver at the Royal Mint. Wyon knew the Queen well having started producing likenesses of her as a 13-year old princess. “You always represent me favourably,” she is reported to have told him, while he is said to have found the Queen an excellent sitter.
Laser-scan of the original
The Perth Mint’s die production department laser-scanned an English penny issued early in Victoria’s reign during the process of reproducing the much-loved effigy as accurately as possible.
On the resulting coin it is adorned with rose gold-plating, helping to create a stunning new interpretation that both artist and monarch would surely have found delightful.
Once again our designers have captured the essence of Australia for a range of stunning new coins available in April;
• The Australian Map Shaped series is back with a great portrayal of a kangaroo in a coastal scene representing Picnic Rocks, Tasmania. • the second release from The Land Down Under series of iconic coins depicts a didgeridoo player in a dramatically coloured bush location; • it’s the turn of an infant platypus on the ever-so-cute Australian Bush Babies series; • and two classic additions see the Australia Koala available as a coloured 1oz coin and a breathtaking 1 kilo proof coin.
April’s new releases also include an astounding rarity for collectors of Royal commemoratives. Included in our tributes marking the 175th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s coronation is a spectacular 2oz pure gold proof coin with a maximum mintage of just 150.
Flick through the electronic bulletin for more details of these and other new issues from Deadly and Dangerous, and Mythical Creatures, or visit the recent releases section on our website.
An outstanding month for Perth Mint coin collectors, February sees the launch of our amazing Land Down Under gold and silver coin program; an incredible Australian Lunar high-relief gold coin celebrating the Year of the Snake; additions to the popular Birds of Australia and Australian Seasons series; stunning tributes marking Her Majesty The Queen’s 60th anniversary of Coronation; and more!!
See them all in this month’s bumper new product bulletin:
Let’s go back 60 years to the dawn of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Day – 2 June 1953. It’s raining in London, but enthusiastic crowds numbering some three million people are lining the streets.
Their reward is an unforgettable, almost magical vision. Escorted by gleaming guardsmen astride magnificent horses, the Gold State Coach pulls out from Buckingham Palace on its momentous journey to Westminster Abbey.
Deafening cheers erupt across the city. Just a glimpse of the radiant new Queen warms the hearts of those in this joyful throng.
The full drama of the Coronation unfolds in front of more than 7,000 honoured guests inside the historic Abbey, including prime ministers and heads of state from around the Commonwealth. Thanks to the modern miracle of television, millions of ordinary people are also entranced by the scene.
Rich in religious significance, wonderful pageantry and historic association, the ancient ceremony abounds with splendid tradition. As he has since the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Archbishop of Canterbury conducts the age-old proceedings.
Calm and assured, the Queen takes the Coronation Oath, which binds her to serve her people and to maintain the laws of God. During carefully ordered rituals, she accepts the Regalia – Orb, Sceptre, Rod, Ring and other symbols of authority laden with religious and sacral meaning.
Then at last, the high spectacle of Coronation is solemnly enacted. The Archbishop, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, holds St Edward’s Crown aloft and places it on the monarch’s head. Shouts of “God Save The Queen” ring out and a fanfare of trumpets echo throughout the Abbey. Marking the moment outside, a salute of guns is fired at the Tower of London.
Coronation Speech
The procession returns to Buckingham Palace amid deafening cheers. Gathered outside the gates, the ever-enthusiastic crowd enjoys a balcony appearance by the whole Royal Family as a Royal Air Force fly-past thunders overhead. Later there is a spectacular firework display. But many have returned to their firesides now to listen to the Queen’s Coronation speech.
Reflecting on a remarkable day, she expresses gratitude to those who have come to London and to those “spread far and wide” who shared her experience by means of television and radio. “As this day draws to its close, I know that my abiding memory of it will be, not only the solemnity and beauty of the ceremony, but the inspiration of your loyalty and affection. I thank you all from a full heart. God bless you all.”
Stunning gold and silver tributes marking Her Majesty’s 60th Anniversary of Coronation from The Perth Mint.
What was it like to be in London on Coronation Day?
Find out in this film by Lord Wakehurst, Governor of New South Wales 1937 – 1946, who was present at the Coronation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Perth Mint’s die production department laser-scanned an English penny issued early in Victoria’s reign during the process of reproducing the much-loved effigy as accurately as possible.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Diamond Jubilee