There is a historical difference between gold crowns and gold five pound coins. Crowns were originally five shillings pieces worth a quarter of a pound, and five pound coins were, as their name tells, worth five pounds face value. The first British crowns were gold coins issued in 1544, and the first silver crowns were issued in 1551. It was not until 1990 that the Royal Mint retariffed the crown, which was by then a silvery coloured cupro-nickel coin, from five shillings to five pounds.
Commemorative Five Pounds Crown
During the last half century, crowns have often been issued to commemorate
special events. The 1998 Five Pound crown was struck in
three different metals and a total of five different variations. It marks the occasion of
the 50th birthday of Prince Charles the Prince of Wales.
Half Century
A fiftieth birthday deserves celebration, and the 1998 crown pays tribute to Prince Charles on reaching his half century.
Obverse:
Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse design was engraved by Ian Rank-Broadley ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 1998
Reverse:
The reverse features a portrait of Prince Charles against a background
formed by the words "CONFIDENCE SUCCESS OPPORTUNITY ADVICE TRAINING TALENT
SKILLS SUPPORT GRANTS CHALLENGE JOBS ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT EDUCATION". In the
foreground is a ribbon inscribed "THE PRINCE'S TRUST" and "HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE
TO SUCCEED". The engraver's initials MN and RE appear near the right of the
ribbon. The reverse design was by Michael Noakes. The reverse legend reads: FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES 1948 FIVE POUNDS 1998
EdgeThe edge is milled (reeded)
Fifty Pounds Banknote
There was also a small issue of these coins complete with a £50 note. The note bears the prefix PW50, for Prince of Wales 50th. The serial number is matched by the certificate, which states that this is one of only 100 sets issued.
Mintage & Issue Limits
We have shown the mintage and issue limits, the former is the actual quantity issued, while the latter is the maximum authorised to be issued, usually the Mint's guess at how many it could sell. It would appear that this Prince Charles issue was not as popular as had been hoped. This affects the secondary market in two ways, although we do not get high demand for them, neither do we get offered many. We do not currently know the actual quantity issued of the "note" issue, or whether the 773 includes those issued with the note.
Prices & Availability
When compared to the Royal Mint price of £1,745.00 you will make a saving of £1,745.00 per item when ordering from us.
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UK: At Buyer's Risk £3.50 per order UK: Fully Insured £9 per order EU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail at Buyer's Risk $10 US, or... USA Insured Shipping $20 US Canada Airmail at Buyer's Risk $15 Can, or... Canada Insured Shipping $30 Can