2010 Silver Proof £5 Crown - Restoration of the Monarchy

In 1649, following the English Civil War, Charles I was executed, the monarchy was abolished, and the country became a republic. The new government, called The Protectorate, ruled for the next decade under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.  During this time, Charles II made various attempts to regain his kingdrom, most famously in 1651 at the Battle of Worcester.  By 1660 the Protectorate, now led by Oliver Cromwell's son, was falling apart. On 1st May both Houses of Parliament voted in favour of Charles' reinstatement, and on 29th May, his 30th birthday he made a triumphant return to London from his excile in Breda, Netherlands.  

The 350th anniversary of the Restoration is celebrated with a £5 coin.  The design includes references to oak trees and oak apple flowers, which became defining symbols in Restoration lore following stories of the king's famed hiding place.  The heraldic crown is a very simplified version of St Edward's crown, and the floral design beneath it includes an English rose of the period and thistles representing Scotland.  The entwined C and lettering style are taken from the coinage on Charles II.

Each coin is beautifully presented within a bespoke case and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Denomination - £5

Alloy - 0.925 Ag

Weight - 28.28g

Diameter - 38.61mm

Obverse Design - the Queen's portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.  Reverse Designer - David Cornell

Edge Inscription - A QUIET AND PEACEABLE POSSESSION

Quality - Proof

Mintage - 5,000