The coronation of Her Majesty The Queen was held 65 years ago on 2 June 1953. In a world first, it was broadcast live on British television and recordings were flown to Canada by the Royal Air Force (RAF), so the moment could be shared with the Commonwealth. The Queen has continued to embrace new technologies and in 2014 she sent her first personal tweet to mark the opening of a new Information Age exhibition in London. But while broadcasting the coronation on television recognised the importance of progress, the ceremony itself was steeped in tradition and symbolism.

The orb, sceptre and St Edward’s crown all featured in Her Majesty’s official coronation portrait and have become iconic symbols of her reign. In fact, they still play a familiar part in everyday life today. Post boxes, police helmets and UK passports all contain some of these symbols, and Royal Mint graphic designer Dominique Evans has captured them all in a seated portrait design to mark this 65th anniversary. It has The Queen at its heart and graces the reverse of this 65mm fine silver Proof quality coin. Presented in a Royal Mint case the coin comes with a booklet that tells the story of the coronation and The Queen herself, both then and now.