Queen Elizabeth II 1977 Silver Crown

For the second time in Her Majesty’s reign, an ‘Equestrian’ portrait was chosen for this commemorative crown coin, this time for the Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) of the reign. It was used as a tribute to the 1953 coronation crown. (An Equestrian portrait was also used in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee).

Uniquely, the reverse side of this crown coin does not feature any wording. The obverse shows Queen Elizabeth II on horseback riding side-saddled (as on the 1953 crown) on the occasion of the Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in 1977, although the horse is shown broadside and in greater detail – altogether more animated, with outstretched tail, and not prancing.

On the reverse is a border and at the centre are shown the Ampulla and Spoon which are used for anointing the monarch during the coronation ceremony. This inner section is surrounded by a border of curving branches of leaves and fruit of the olive tree and at the centre top sits St Edward’s Crown. Both sides are the work of designer Arnold Machin.