Great Britain 500 Years of the Crown 2026 £5 Cupro-Nickel Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

An official British tribute to one of the world’s most famous, most enduring, most important coins, this affordable Royal Mint issue pays homage to the 500th anniversary of the Crown.

The Crown was introduced as a gold coin worth five shillings in 1526, during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509-47). The original gold Crown was known as a ‘Crown of the Rose’, but this was replaced within a few months by a coin known as a ‘Crown of the Double-Rose’. The Crown was first issued in silver during the reign of Henry’s son, King Edward VI (1547-53), with gold and silver Crowns issued side-by-side until the reign of King Charles I (1625-49). Issued in silver thereafter, until the 20th century when also struck in cupro-nickel, the Crown has endured as a mainstay of the British coinage, weathering recession and revival.

Notable for its large size, at 38.61mm in diameter, the Crown has featured some of the most iconic designs in numismatic history. This includes the sublime Queen Victoria 1847 Gothic Crown, the George VI 1951 Festival of Britain Crown and Queen Elizabeth II 1965 Churchill Crown. As we mark the 500th anniversary of the Crown, Britain’s Royal Mint has found the perfect way to celebrate – issuing a commemorative Crown!

Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated standard, this 500th anniversary tribute is blessed with a superbly balanced motif by noted heraldic artist, Timothy Noad. The design is inspired by that found upon the King Henry VIII Crown of the Double-Rose, which featured a Crowned Rose, and crowned initials of Henry and of whoever his wife was at the time of issue. Timothy Noad’s design is dominated by a Crowned Rose, flanked by the Royal Cyphers of King Charles III and Queen Camilla! Utterly unique, the obverse carries the portrait of Charles III, united with a special decorative border that includes five roses – one for each century of the Crown!

An affordable addition to any collection, each coin is beautifully presented within a typically impressive, informative, illustrated Royal Mint pack. Click add to cart now!