Lot #534: UK 1965 One Crown Coin - Elizabeth II - Winston Churchill Commemorative - Five Shillings

Obverse: Features the "First Portrait" (Laureate Head) of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. The Queen faces right, wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription reads ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F. D. with the date 1965 at the bottom. Reverse: Features a rugged, high-relief portrait of Sir Winston Churchill in his later years, facing left and wearing a siren suit. The design, by Oscar Nemon, is noted for its modernist, almost sculptural quality. The single word CHURCHILL is inscribed to the right of the portrait. The 1965 United Kingdom Churchill Commemorative Crown is one of the most famous commemorative coins in British history. Struck to honor the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill following his death in January 1965, it was the first British coin to feature the portrait of a commoner alongside the monarch since the time of Oliver Cromwell. The Crown was traditionally worth five shillings (or a quarter of a pound). While the coin was legal tender, it was rarely used in daily commerce due to its size and weight. Most were kept as souvenirs. This was the final crown-sized coin struck ibefore the denomination was officially re-valued to 25 new pence during decimalization. Dimensions: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). 38.6 mm. 28.3 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}