She is notably known for her bravery in the face of war, after refusing to evacuate away from Britain and leave her husband who was King at the time. Her appealing charm and clear devotion to her Royal duties led to the Queen Mother becoming a respected figure amongst the British public, and it is clear to see why she was chosen to be commemorated on a 25p coin at the time.
When considering why the 25p coin was chosen over any other coin denomination, it helps to look at the previous designs that were minted. Every issue of the 25p coin commemorates someone, or some event, that specifically involves the Royal Family whereas other coins such as the 50p are used to honour anyone with significant British history.
The design of the 1980 Queen Mother crown, created by Professor Richard Guyatt, is very unique in comparison to the standard crowns that were minted previously.
Reverse of the 1980 Queen Mother crown
Image Source
The reverse design features a beaded circle design with the portrait of the Queen Mother facing to the left, marking the first time a person other than the reigning monarch had been portrayed on a British coin during their own lifetime. Surrounding her portrait is a radiating pattern of bows and rampant lions which is a pun on her maiden name, Bowes-Lyon.
The inscription around the outer edge of the reverse design reads ‘QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER’ and the bottom reads the date of her birthday, ‘AUGUST 4th 1980’.
Obverse of 1980 Queen Mother crown
The obverse of the coin features what is known as the ‘Second Portrait’ of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin. She wears the ‘Girls of Great Britain and Ireland’ diamond tiara and faces to the right as in all her coins.
In keeping with crowns issued previously by the Royal Mint, the coin does not have its value stated anywhere on its design. The edge of the coin is milled and features no inscription.
Queen Mother died 30.3.2002
PGV: £4-£5 each
Harder Crown to fine - 9.3m minted.
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5 x 1965 Elizabeth II Churchill Crown Five Shillings Commemorative Coin Sp#4144 BU
1965 GB Elizabeth II Churchill Crown Five Shillings Commemorative Coin SP# 4144. Came from Old Midland Bank sealed bag.
Minted 19.6m
PGV £4-£5 each
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7 x 1981 Crown Coin Royal Wedding Prince of Wales Lady Diana Spencer (BU) SP# LL4
Circulating mintage:
26,773,600
Years of issue:
1981
Coin Information:
To celebrate the wedding of Charles and Diana in July 1981, the Royal Mint produced a commemorative crown tariffed at 25 pence, although no denomination was actually inscribed on the coin. For the first time, three people were portrayed on a British coin simultaneously; the reverse featuring the conjoined profiles of the bridal couple. Although the marriage produced two sons, Princes William and Harry, it sadly ended in divorce - a tragedy that was further compounded by the death of Diana in 1997.
Price Guide Value as at Q3/2024: £2-£3 each
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6 x 6 February 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown (Cupro Nickel 25p Crown version) SP# LL2
1977 Silver Jubilee Crown (25p NOT silver)
Issued by the Royal Mint in commemoration of the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977
Weight: 28.28g, diameter 38.61mm, mintage 37,061,160 Cupro Nickel
These coins make great silver birthday or anniversary gifts
In very good condition in plastic wallet
Issued by the Royal Mint in commemoration of the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977.
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1 x Queen Elizabeth II And Prince Phillip (EP) Royal Silver Wedding 25th Anniversary Crown 1947-1972. SPINK# LL1.
Cupro-Nickel reverse design by Arnold Machin.
Prince Phillip died 09.04.2021
QEII died 08.09.2022
PGV: £2-£3