Commemorating Platinum Jubilee, Royal Mint Launches Coin Of 70 Years Of Queen Elizabeth II's Reign

JAKARTA - Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, or 70 years on the throne.

Marking this historic moment, the British Royal Mint coined the 50p (penny/cent) coin last Thursday. In addition to displaying his badge and the years of his reign, one coin features the king on a horse.

The 95-year-old queen is known for her love of horses, but it was revealed she had not ridden a horse since early September.

"She felt a little uncomfortable. She loves riding and it has been part of her ritual for most of her life. She is very disappointed that she has not gone riding since early September," a source told The Sun as quoted January 6.

The source added that the Queen has not shut down the sport for good, and she is determined to return to the saddle after a break.

"Designed by an esteemed artist and crafted with genuine craftsmanship, the Honorable Platinum Jubilee coin is a timeless work of art that will be collected, cherished and passed down from generation to generation," Clare Maclennan, director of The Royal Mint division at Llantrisant, said according to the BBC.

"The Queen's legacy on the coin extends her important reign. Today's launch marks another important milestone, and the Royal Mint plays a proud part in the national celebration," said Royal Mint Museum historian Chris Barker.

While citing Euronews, the coins are made individually by employees at The Royal Mint, located in Ynysmaerdy, Wales.

The new collection from The Royal Mint also features coins dedicated to British singer Dame Vera Lynn with the song We'll meet again' related to the World War II era, Commonwealth 2022 being held in Birmingham, and the inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell.

Queen Elizabeth II was given her first horse (a Shetland pony) when she was just 4 years old. In addition to horseback riding for fun, the Queen often rides for events such as Trooping the Color — a public celebration of the king's birthday. The coin appears to depict the Queen on such occasions, recalling a hat with visible feathers.

Queen Elizabeth's love of horseback riding has also been passed down to later generations of royalty. The Princess, Princess Anne, became the first royal to compete in the Olympics when she rode in the three-day equestrian event at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Following in her footsteps, Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, competed at the 2012 Olympics and won a silver medal as a member of Team Great Britain.

To note, starting on June 2, the Queen will mark 70 years of her service to the throne with celebrations across the UK. Events will include Trooping the Color (annual public celebration for the Queen's birthday), Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting, Thanksgiving service at St. Paul, Derby at Epsom Downs, live concerts called "Platinum Party at the Palace," Big Jubilee Lunch, and Platinum Jubilee Contest.