Queen Elizabeth I 2008 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Royal Mint Folder

Queen Elizabeth I 2008 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

This brilliant uncirculated commemorative £5 crown celebrates the 450th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth I. Released by the Royal Mint in 2008, this cupronickel coin features a stunning reverse design by Rod Kelly, who drew inspiration from the magnificent ‘Armada’ portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by George Gower (1588).

Design Features

The reverse showcases a crowned bust of Elizabeth I within a quatrefoil shape, with Tudor roses in the inner angles and foliage motifs in two of the outer angles. The inscription “ELIZABETH REGINA” appears in elegant curling script above the portrait, while the anniversary dates in Roman numerals “MDLVIII” and “MMVIII” (1558 and 2008) are displayed below.

The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley’s fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022), completing this remarkable pairing of two of Britain’s most significant monarchs.

Historical Significance

Elizabeth Tudor ascended to the throne at just 25 years old in November 1558, following the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary. Her January 1559 coronation at Westminster Abbey marked the beginning of a reign that would bring stability to England. As the last Tudor monarch who left no immediate heirs, she became known as the “Virgin Queen.” Good Queen Bess ruled for nearly 45 years until her death in March 1603, when she was succeeded by her distant cousin, James VI of Scotland.

Specifications and Presentation

This Queen Elizabeth I 2008 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin weighs 28.28 grams and measures 38.61 millimeters in diameter. Your pre-owned coin comes in its original Royal Mint packaging, making it an excellent gift for those interested in British coinage and royal history.