Description
Across the Commonwealth, and in particular the sixteen realms of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, a very special and historic moment will be marked on September 9, 2015. It is on that day that the reign of Elizabeth II will surpass that of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned from June 20, 1837 to January 22, 1901. While the historic length of Her Majesty’s reign is truly worthy of both note and celebration, what is of greater significance still is our collective understanding and appreciation of our Sovereign’s remarkable record of dedicated service to and abiding affection for her people in every corner of the globe.
Canada and all Canadians have a deep affection for and loyalty to their Queen from the first moment she toured as Princess in 1951. As the country most toured by Her Majesty (twenty two Royal Tours), the Queen has often said upon arrival that it was “good to be home”. When reflecting on our much beloved Queen, Canadians have good reason to mark the historic reign of Elizabeth II as, on September 9th, she becomes the longest reigning Sovereign in our modern era.
The Design:
This set of three silver coins was struck to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen historic reign. A £5 coin from The Royal Mint unusually bears an obverse and reverse designed by the same artist, James Butler, a member of the Royal Academy. The Royal Canadian Mint has struck a $20 coin designed by artist Cathy Boursey-Sabourin to commemorate this historic moment, while a $5 coin from The Royal Australian Mint designed by artist Bronwyn King completes the set. All three coins have been struck to Proof standard, and to preserve their finish, it is advisable to avoid handling them.
