Queen’s 95th birthday will be marked by a new commemorative coin this year

It is one of five coins that will be released in 2021

The Queen celebrates her birthday
(Image credit: Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen’s 95th birthday in April will be marked by a commemorative coin, which will feature a royal cypher as well as a poignant festive reference.

The Queen’s landmark 95th birthday is due to be celebrated on one of five commemorative coins released in 2021. When the monarch turns 95 on 21 April, she will once again make history, becoming the first British monarch to reach this age. The Queen is already the longest reigning British monarch, having surpassed the second longest reigning, Queen Victoria, back in 2015. 

Now to pay tribute to the Queen’s 95th birthday, there will be a new £5 coin released. The issuing of a £5 coin is believed to be usually reserved for special royal occasions only. 

What does the Queen’s 95th birthday coin look like?

According to BBC News, the Royal Mint has announced this exciting new release. On both the Royal Mint’s website and Instagram pages, they have included an image of this special commemorative coin for the Queen’s 95th birthday. 

It features the royal cypher "EIIR" and also has the words "my heart and my devotion" on it. This is thought to be a reference to her 1957 Christmas broadcast, which was the first of the Queen’s annual Christmas Day addresses to be televised.

25th December 1957: Queen Elizabeth II smiling towards The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh just before the end of her first Christmas Day television speech to her nation

(Image credit: Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

In this significant speech, the Queen reportedly told the nation: "In the old days the monarch led his soldiers on the battlefield and his leadership at all times was close and personal.

"Today things are very different. I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice, but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations."

What else does the new commemorative coin collection include?

Alongside this stunning coin to celebrate the Queen’s 95th birthday, there are four other coins set to be released this year. The anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, writer of the novels Waverley, Rob Roy and Ivanhoe will be celebrated with a £2 coin.

And this is not the only coin to commemorate literary greats as the 75th anniversary of the death of acclaimed science fiction author HG Wells will be marked with a £2 coin. This will also feature a depiction of images from his novels.

The 50th anniversary of decimalisation, when Britain's modern coins came into force will also be commemorated with a 50p coin. 

Whilst the 75th anniversary of the death of the inventor John Logie Baird, who is famous for his early television prototypes, will be commemorated on another 50p coin.

Where can you buy these commemorative coins?

If you’re keen to own these stunning coins, the commemorative set is available to purchase from the Royal Mint website. The sets are available in precious metal editions or struck in their circulating alloys. They are finished to either Proof or Brilliant Uncirculated standard.

Are you tempted to treat yourself to a piece of history this year?

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!