East India Company — St. Helena: Coveted Gothic crown recreated on the fourth release in popular “Masterpiece Collection”

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The East India Company Collections, in association with the government and treasury of St. Helena, have released (15th July) the fourth design, which is part of the popular “Masterpiece Collection” series. Chosen for the latest design is the reverse side of famed engraver William Wyon’s Gothic crown.

The reverse side of the recreated coins faithfully recreates the effigy of the sovereign, who is shown in Gothic dress and reflects the Gothic revival of the time. Queen Victoria, who was twenty-eight years old when the coin was designed, is shown facing left and wearing an ornate crown, her hair loosely braided with a long plait placed in front of her ear and secured into the back of her crown. Her gown featured delicate embroidery, including roses, thistles, and shamrocks, the national plant symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Authentic gothic-style lettering is placed around the effigy, which reads VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D. (“Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of Great Britain defender of the faith”). The distinctive mintmark of the East India Company is placed just to the left shoulder of Queen Victoria.

The coin’s obverse includes both the Commonwealth effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II designed by engraver Jody Clark along with the authority of issue ST HELENA included in the legend. The denomination of ONE, TWO, or FIVE POUNDS is shown just below the Queen’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
One pound	.999 Silver	31.1 g	38.6 mm	Proof	2,000
Two pounds	.999 Silver	62.4 g	45 mm	Proof	1,000
Five pounds	.925 Silver	28.2 g	38 mm	Proof	1,000
Five pounds	.999 Silver	156.2 g	65 mm	Proof	500
Five pounds	.999 Silver	1,000 g	100 mm	Proof	50
Five pounds	.999 Gold	31.1 g	32 mm	Proof	200
Five pounds	.917 Gold	53.5 g	38 mm	Proof	125
Five pounds	.999 Gold	62.42 g	45 mm	Proof	100
Five pounds	.999 Gold	156.29 g	65 mm	Proof	30

Previous coins in the “Masterpiece Collection” include the 1839 £5 gold Una and the Lion design (2021), the 1817 Three Graces pattern crown design (2021), and the Gothic Crown’s reverse side, first released in 1847. Each Proof-quality coin is specially encapsulated and presented in a selection of custom cases accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these and other coins in the series, please click here.

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