50th Anniversary of the Coronation Silver Proof Coin

50th Anniversary of the Coronation Silver Proof Coin, New Zealand Post was privileged to bring to you this exquisite $5 coin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.

Highlights

• Sterling silver coin with 22 carat gold highlights
• Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Queen’s coronation
• Featured St Edwards crown and floral symbols of commonwealth countries
• Worldwide mintage limit: 25,000.

Design

Unique to New Zealand, the coronation coin was a fitting tribute to a long and distinguished reign and followed the Queen Elizabeth II – Golden Jubilee coin that was issued in 2002.

This commemorative silver frosted $5 coin, lavishly presented in a Royal purple velvet case, depicted an image of the St Edwards crown between a stylised sprig of roses, thistles, shamrocks and the New Zealand fern frond on its reverse. The dates ‘1953’ and ‘2003’ appeared above the Crown whilst below, the words ‘FIVE DOLLARS’ are displayed.

The coin’s obverse, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, featured the Queen’s portrait in sterling .925 silver, highlighted in 22-carat gold.

The combination of the fern, rose, thistle and shamrock represented the recognised offical floral emblems of New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These emblems were among those embroidered on the Queen’s coronation gown, which was also worn when she opened the New Zealand Parliament on 12 January 1954. The St Edward’s crown was used in the actual coronation service in 1953. In 1956 a heraldic version of this crown replaced the crest (originally granted in 1911) in the New Zealand Coat of Arms.

By the Royal Titles Proclamation dated 28 May 1953 the Queen of the United Kingdom became The Queen of New Zealand, the first time a British sovereign has been so described. This design provided an appropriate theme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of both the Queen’s coronation and the proclamation of Her Majesty as the first ‘Queen of New Zealand’.