Queen Elizabeth II joined an elite group of monarchs in 2022 when she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service on Britain’s throne. It’s been a special year for the Queen. The Royal Canadian Mint honoured Her Majesty with a special $20-coin. Only four other monarchs have ever celebrated that anniversary, Louis XIV of France, Johann II, Prince of Liechtenstein, Sobhuza II of Swaziland and Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
What Makes This Coin Special?
As with every Canadian coin, the obverse of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s the reverse of the coin that makes it a special minting for the Platinum Jubilee. Canadian artist Jori van der Linde created an artistic representation of the Diamond Diadem that includes Swarovski® crystals to make the crown sparkle on the coin. Linde is a Vancouver-based artist who has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators New York, the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, The National Magazine Awards, Creative Quarterly, and 3×3 Magazine. This coin has a limited mintage. It’s made of 99.99% pure silver, with a face value of $20, but its real value is the design and collectability.
What Makes the Diamond Diadem Special?
This $20-coin features the front cross of the Diamond Diadem, also known as the George IV State Diadem. It was created for his coronation in 1821 and has been worn by Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary. It was Queen Elizabeth II who brought this crown to the forefront, wearing it for many state occasions, including her coronation procession in 1953. The actual crown is set with 1,333 diamonds and edged in pearls. Its design represents the national emblems of England, Ireland and Scotland. The crown has been featured in many photographs, including use on many coins throughout the Commonwealth. Queen Victoria designated this crown an Heirloom of the Crown before her death in 1901.
How This Coin Fits Into Your Coin Collection
Commemorative Canadian coins are popular with coin collectors. The Royal Canadian Mint has many special coins featuring Queen Elizabeth, including an upcoming release of a $250 gold coin similar to the $20 coin. Anglophiles, even those who are not coin collectors, will appreciate the beauty of these coins to add to their collection of British memorabilia.
Regardless of how you collect coins, by year, occasion or theme, you can make this $20-coin the prize of your collection. The coin is encapsulated to protect its surface. It comes presented in a clamshell with a black beauty box. Many of the previous tiara-themed coins sold out and are now hard to come by. It’s expected that this coin will be in high demand due to its famous crown and special occasion.
Expand Your Coin Collection
Numismatics is a fascinating field that encompasses history, art and economics. While many coins do not have any inherent value beyond their face value, some coins do increase in value, making the hobby potentially profitable. It is a labour of love.
This Queen Elizabeth II tribute coin is ripe to increase in value due to its limited production, exquisite design, valuable metals and special occasion. You can leave it to your heirs as part of your legacy as a remembrance of a unique woman who dedicated herself to the British throne. Whether or not you took part in the historic celebrations, you will always remember the year that Her Majesty enjoyed a Platinum Jubilee. This historic moment should be honoured by Canadians and members of the Commonwealth around the world. Check out the Royal Canadian Mint section on our website or visit us at Colonial Acres Coins to add to your collection.