20 Dollars - Elizabeth II, Tribute obverse Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Cypher ND

Reverse

Fully plated with black rhodium, the reverse features the Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II, which combines her initials “E II” (Elizabeth II) with her title initial “R” (for Regina, or “Queen” in Latin) and an image of St. Edward’s Crown. The cypher is framed by shapes resembling the gold beads and clusters of stones that adorn St. Edward’s Crown; the four larger shapes represent the different effigies that have graced Canadian coinage since 1953.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
E II R
20
DOLLARS
CANADA

Unabridged legend: ELIZABETH II REGINA

Translation: Queen Elizabeth II

Edge

Serrated

Comment

One of the most recognizable symbols of a historic reign, the Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch’s identifier, and most Canadians are used to seeing it imprinted in the insignia of orders, decorations, medals and badges. The personal device of Queen Elizabeth II was synonymous with the Crown and served as a symbol of Sovereignty in Canada for 70 years. It has been re-created and forever preserved on this black rhodium plated 99.99% pure silver tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the keeper of continuity who also advanced the monarchy into the modern age.

Homage to the crown
On your coin’s reverse, the royal cypher is framed by shapes resembling the gold beads and clusters of stones that adorn St. Edward’s Crown, the crown used at the moment of coronation. This is the crown that is depicted in Queen Elizabeth II’s cypher.

Rhodium plated
Your coin is plated with black rhodium as a symbol of mourning. The only glimpse of silver is on the obverse, where the contrast between the silver effigies and the black rhodium plating keeps the focus on Queen Elizabeth II.

Tribute obverse
Marked by a small Tudor rose, the tribute obverse combines the four different effigies that have graced Canadian coins since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. This obverse is only featured on the collector coins in the Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign collection.

DID YOU KNOW?
Cyphers have been used by British monarchs since the reign of Henry VIII. For her cypher, Queen Elizabeth II favoured a stylized representation of St. Edward’s Crown—the official coronation crown dating from the coronation of King Charles II in 1661—over the Tudor Crown. The Tudor Crown was a more elaborate headpiece used by monarchs from the time of Henry VII or Henry VIII until the English Civil Wars; it was dismantled by the Parliamentarians in 1649 and the crown jewels were sold, but it has endured as an important heraldic symbol.

Named after Saint Edward the Confessor, St. Edward’s Crown was made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661 and continues to serve as the coronation crown. Its design is based on the original medieval crown that had been melted down by the Parliamentarians in 1649. Due to its hefty weight (2.23 kilograms), St. Edward’s Crown is traditionally carried (not worn) during the coronation procession and remains on the altar until the moment of coronation.

Packaging
Black clamshell with special graphic beauty box

Interesting fact

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
ND (2023)	15000	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 20 Dollars - Elizabeth II, Tribute obverse (Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Cypher) ND (2023) coin.