Description
In the 1200 year history of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch ever to reach 60 years on the throne. Only Queen Victoria, who reigned 64 years from 1837-1901, has reigned longer. To mark this rare milestone, Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint have issued this special commemorative $20 silver coin featuring the Queen’s Royal Cypher. The coin is double struck with a frosted cameo proof finish – the highest quality available from the Royal Canadian Mint. It is also a substantial coin, weighing just over one full ounce of .9999 fine silver. Mintage is limited to just 15,000 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Royal Cypher: A Sovereign’s Monogram:
A royal cypher is a monarch’s identifier, much like a coat of arms. Cyphers have been used by British royals since the time of Henry VIII. They generally feature the monarch’s initial and titles, often beneath a symbol of rule, such as a crown. Unlike monograms that interweave letters, royal cyphers display each letter distinctly.
Queen Elizabeth II’s monogram, , features her initials, E II (Elizabeth II), and her title initial, R (, Latin for Queen), below an image of St. Edward’s Crown which has been used for British coronations since the restoration of the monarchy and coronation of Charles II in 1661.
The Royal Cypher is imprinted in the insignia of orders, decorations, medals and on badges. In Canada—a constitutional monarchy that recognizes Her Majesty as its head of state—it is common for this cypher to be surrounded by a wreath or garland of maple leaves, symbolizing the unique union of the Queen’s power and the sovereignty of the Canadian people.
