Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother “August 4th 1980 coin”
3 min read
In 1980, the Royal Mint issued a 25p coin commemorating Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday. Struck in standard cupro-nickel and silver proof quality, it’s a must-have for any Royal Family fan. The coin’s current worth and legal tender status are unknown.
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About the 1980 coin.
The Queen Mother’s face, facing to the left, is depicted on the coin’s reverse, which was created by Professor Richard Guyatt as a play on her maiden name Bowes-Lyon. The portrait is encircled by a radiating pattern of bows and rampant (upright) lions.
The words QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER are surrounded above, while the date AUGUST 4th 1980 is surrounded below.
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Why was the Queen Mother crown from 1980 produced?
The 1980 Queen Mother crown is one of four commemorative 25p coins issued between 1972 and 1981 to honor the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, a respected member of the Royal Family. Born on August 4, 1900, Queen Elizabeth joined the Royal Family in 1923 after marrying HRH The Duke of York. They had two children, Princess Elizabeth in 1926 and Princess Margaret in 1930. Queen Elizabeth was known for her bravery in war and her devotion to her royal duties, making her a respected figure in the British public. The 25p coin was chosen over other coin denominations due to its focus on events specifically involving the Royal Family, while other coins, like the 50p, honor anyone with significant British history.
The other three 25p coin designs honor:
- The year 1972 marked Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip’s silver wedding anniversary.
- The Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, 1977.
- Charles and Diana’s 1981 nuptials.
Therefore, it is not surprising that a date as important to the Royal Family was commemorated on the 25p coin.
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What is the design of the1980 Queen Mother Crown?
The 1980 Queen Mother crown, designed by Professor Richard Guyatt, is a unique design compared to standard British coins. The reverse design features a beaded circle with the Queen Mother’s portrait facing left, marking the first time a person other than the monarch was portrayed on a British coin during their lifetime. The crown is surrounded by a radiating pattern of bows and rampant lions, a pun on her maiden name, Bowes-Lyon. The inscription reads “QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER” and the date of her birthday is August 4th, 1980. The obverse features the Second Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, wearing the ‘Girls of Great Britain and Ireland’ diamond tiara. The coin does not have its value stated on its design.
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Has the Coin Been Circulated?
The four crowns issued after Decimal Day in 1971 are now known as 25p coins, reflecting their new value in relation to the new pound. Despite their high mintage figures, the 25p coins were minted for commemorative purposes only and not for circulation. The 1980 Queen Mother crown remains legal tender in the UK, meaning that the Post Office must accept it at its value of 25 pence. However, it cannot be used for the purchase of goods and services, as the currency accepted by a store is at the owner’s discretion and typically limited to legal currency coins and banknotes.
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Value of 1980 Queen Mother.
The 1980 Queen Mother crown, intended for commemorative purposes only, was minted in high quantities, with an official mintage figure of 9,306,000 (over 9.3 million). This is more than many commemorative 50p coins minted today, such as the Benjamin Britten 50p. The coin’s popularity in the British public led to high demand for a coin in her honor. Limited silver proof quality was also available, with only 83,672 available, catering to avid Royal Family fans and coin collectors. The coin’s value is determined by its mintage figure and release date.
Silver proof quality coins can be sold for up to £30 if kept in their original box, with the value expected to increase over time, making them worth keeping for now.
Conclusion.
In 1980, the Royal Mint issued a 25p coin commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday, a must-have for Royal Family fans, but its current worth and legal tender status remain unknown.
Even though the 1980 Queen Mother crown isn’t particularly valuable, it is nevertheless an essential piece of any Royal Family fan’s collection and is well obtaining if you haven’t already.
