The Queen's Reign Honours and Investitures 2022 UK proof

In 2022, the UK celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II - or 70 years of her reign. To mark the occasion, The Royal Mint has launched a series of themed issues - including this silver coin featuring the Queen's Honours.

Elizabeth II came to the throne on 6 February 1952. Since then, she has faithfully served her subjects, who in turn have faithfully served their Queen. If the monarch wishes to honour any of them, she can award them one of a plethora of state honours. The Victoria Cross, which bears the name of Elizabeth's great-grandmother, is the UK's highest military decoration. The distinguished flying cross is awarded to military aviators and its recipients included many Czechoslovaks who fought in the Battle of Britain. The George Cross, named in honour of Elizabeth's father, is awarded to civilians for a change. 

The Irish artist P. J. Lynch used these and many other decorations as a metaphor to express the devotion of Elizabeth II. to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. They are accompanied on the reverse by the Queen's signature, which appears on the coin for the first time. The obverse side is then dedicated to the attributes of the issuer - i.e. the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the text ELIZABETH II D G REG F D (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith), the year 2022 and the nominal value of 5 POUNDS (GBP).

The silver coin is stored in an elegant box.