Description
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. Mintage is limited to 7,500 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Queen Elizabeth II’s monogram, EIIR, features her initials, E II (Elizabeth II), and her title initial, R (Regina, 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.
