The Royal Mint has announced the availability of three new commemorative coins for 2008; The Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown, The 4th Olympiad London Anniversary £2, and The Prince of Wales 60th Birthday Crown.

The Elizabeth I Anniversary Crown

This £5 coin features a specially designed reverse celebrating the 450th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth I. On 17 November 1558 the 25-year-old Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was proclaimed Queen of England.

The Reverse of this Brilliant Uncirculated crown-sized coin was inspired by the magnificent ‘Armada’ portrait of Elizabeth by George Gower, the Queen is crowned and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. The coin display is an attractive folder rich in imagery and background information on the reign of one of the best-loved British monarchs.

£5 - Cupro-nickel - 28.28 gms - 38.61 mm

The 4th Olympiad London Anniversary £2

The first time the Olympics were held in London was in 1908 at a purpose-built stadium in White City, London. The centenary of those Games therefore falls in 2008, and a commemorative £2 coin has been produced to celebrate the sporting achievements of the athletes who competed at those Games.

This commemorative coin sports a specially designed reverse celebrating the centenary of the 4th Olympiad which bears a running track, symbolising the Olympic Games, and is displayed in an attractive folder. The design is by Royal Mint engraver, Thomas T Docherty

£2 - Bi-metal - 12 gms - 28.4 mm

The Prince of Wales 60th Birthday Crown

Born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948 Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was the first son of Princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen declared her eldest son and heir apparent Prince of Wales in 1958 and in 1969 his Investiture took place at Caernarfon Castle. In 2008 His Royal Highness will be celebrating his 60th birthday and in his honour the Royal Mint has struck a special commemorative crown.

The £5 coin, with its magnificent portrait of Prince Charles on the reverse and the Queen’s effigy on the obverse, both by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, is presented in a specially designed folder reflecting the life and work of the Prince.

£5 - Cupro-nickel - 28.28 gms - 38.61 mm

These coins can be ordered directly from the Royal Mint