Queen Elizabeth II Sapphire Coronation: The Lion and The Unicorn - 2018 Uncirculated Cupro Nickel Coin

The Lion and the Unicorn signify the United Kingdom and appear as its heraldic supporters on its coat of arms. The Lion represents England and the Unicorn represents Scotland. The combination of the two animals dates back to the accession of James I of England in 1603, who was also James I of Scotland. Over the last 400 years these animals have become strongly associated with Royalty and therefore our Queen, Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed Queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The Coronation took place more than a year later due to the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning following the death of a monarch was the first major event to be broadcast on television against Winston Churchill’s advice. The Coronation was broadcast in both black and white and colour and was viewed by 27 million of the then 36 million Brits! In the ceremony itself, at Westminster Abbey, Elizabeth swore an oath to uphold the law and govern the Church of England.

The 65th Anniversary is associated with the gemstone sapphire - symbolic of loyalty and some say can bring inner peace and fulfilment of dreams and prosperity. The colour associated with this anniversary is blue - symbolic of trust and peace, loyalty and integrity, all characteristics you would expect in a Sovereign.