As the Queen marks 65 years on the throne on February 6, the Royal Mint is issuing a special collection of coins to celebrate her incredible reign. The Sapphire Jubilee range comprises £5 coins in silver and gold, inspired by regalia from her Coronation and bearing phrases from her 21st birthday speech: "My whole life, whether it be long or short, devoted to your service."
The Kilo and Five-Ounce coins, also in silver and gold, feature the Royal Arms supported by an olive branch, a symbol of faithfulness and reconciliation, and a branch of oak, representing stability and loyalty in service.
The Royal Mint has issued a special collection of coins
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond, who watched the new coins being struck at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, south Wales, said of the £5 coins: "I particularly love the inscription around this coin. It reads 'shine through the ages' – taken from the Queen's Coronation speech. She was talking about how the ancient ceremonies shine through the ages of course, but for us, I think this also reflects how the Queen herself has shone, and continues to shine, throughout her wonderful long reign."
Jennie Bond watched the new coins being struck at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant
Jennie told HELLO!: "When she was 21, she declared in a public broadcast that her life, 'whether it be long or short', would be devoted to the service of her people. We all make promises when we're young – but few of us could emulate The Queen who, now our longest-serving monarch, is working almost as hard in her 91st year as she did when she came to the throne 65 years ago."