Gold Coin Crown of the British Empire 2022 Proof

The Imperial State Crown

An exclusive gold coin with genuine gemstones issued by the Royal Canadian Mint for 2022 in Proof quality, made of the purest 99.99% gold and weighing 60.8 grams, the British Empire Crown, which accompanied the reign of Elizabeth II for seven decades, pays tribute to Britain's longest reigning monarch. The iconic crown of royal jewels was an inseparable symbol of the monarch's authority as well as her dedicated service.
The inclusion of this coin within a collector's collection can be found in both the Elizabeth II Jewellery Collection and the RCM's special commemorative issue Queen Elizabeth II's Reign.

The unique coin bears the royal monogram of Elizabeth II on its reverse, surrounded by an artistic representation of the British Imperial Crown as seen from above. The royal monogram consists of the initials "E", "R", the Roman numeral II (Elizabeth II Regina) and the crown of St. Edward. The circular arrangement of eight sapphires and eight emeralds represents the array of gemstones that adorn the actual crown. The four brilliants symbolize the four coin portraits that have carried Canadian coins since 1953. The gems are surrounded by delicate ornaments inspired by the original jewel. "CANADA" and the coin's face value of "250 DOLLARS" are tastefully incorporated into the design.
The Crown of the British Empire, or British Imperial Crown, is part of the Crown Jewels of Great Britain collection. It was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and in 1953 modified and lowered by 25 mm for the coronation of his daughter Elizabeth II.
For seven decades the jewel was an integral part of the status of the monarch on important ceremonial occasions. The whole world greeted the young Queen with the Crown of the British Empire after leaving the Coronation and during a toast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on 2 June 1953. When he bade her farewell seventy years later, the same crown adorned her coffin.
The crown, 31.5 cm in total height, consists of four heraldic fleurs-de-lis and four footed crosses supporting two arches surmounted by a 'monde' and a footed cross at the apex. This arrangement has symbolism. The arches express that only God is superior to the monarch. The "monde" sphere represents the world he rules. The cross is a symbol of the religion the nation professes. Under the arches is a purple velvet coverlet edged with ermine. The rim is made of gold, silver and platinum and is set with a number of precious stones of incalculable value. The crown weighs less than a kilogram and is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies. The striking red spinel in the centre of the crown is the Black Prince ruby. It has its origins in the 14th century when it was given as a gift by Edward of Woodstock, nicknamed the Black Prince. The clear brilliant underneath is Cullian II (Second Star of Africa) weighing 317.4 Ct. The upper cross contains a sapphire of St. Edward from the ring of Edward III. Confessor of the 11th century.
For the coronation of Charles III in 2023, the British Imperial Crown will again be modified for the head of the new king. It is also expected to be raised to its original height.

The obverse bears four coin portraits of Elizabeth II minted on Canadian coins linked together (the portrait artists are, from left: Susanna Blunt (2003-2022), Dora de Pédery-Hunt (1990-2002), Arnold Machin (1965-1989) and Mary Gillick (1953-1964)). The likenesses represent guides to the various stages of the Queen's reign as recorded in numismatics. They are completed by the years of reign '1952' and '2022', separated by a Tudor rose, and the inscription 'ELIZABETH II D-G-REGINA'.

The coin comes in a luxury wooden box along with a numbered certificate for the coin and others that confirm the authenticity of the precious stones. The mintage of the coin is limited to 225 pieces for the whole world!

This product is part of the following product sets: