By Michael Alexander From Coin Update

The treasuries of four British overseas territories have authorized the issue of a commemorative coin celebrating the day their head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, became the longest reigning British sovereign in history.

September 9 saw the Queen eclipse the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for a total of 63 years 216 days. On the historic day, Queen Elizabeth visited Tweedbanks Railway station in Scotland to dedicate a new rail line slated to be the longest stretch of railway built in the UK in more than a century.

Before the official dedication, the Queen acknowledged the day and its significance, commenting, “Many have also kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired.” She continued, “Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones, my own is no exception but I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.” With these personal comments, she returned to her task, saying, “Now to the business in hand, it is my very happy duty to declare the Borders Railway open,” before she unveiled the plaque bearing her name and the date.

Queen Elizabeth II, aside from being the longest-reigning English or British monarch, is also the longest married and the longest-serving female sovereign in history. Of interest to notaphilists and numismatists alike is another record achieved by the Queen when the Guinness World Records proclaimed that she also holds the world record for most currencies featuring the same individual.

The coins are issued by Ascension Island, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. Each coin featires a different design with images of the Queen at various times during her 63 years as sovereign, along with a privy mark placing the image of the Queen with its appropriate era.

BOT 2015 Ascension longest reign pair

Ascension Island: The portrait is from the first televised Christmas Message in 1957. The privy mark is that of Sandringham, where the message was recorded.

BOT 2015 BVI longest reign pair

British Virgin Islands: The portrait is from the State Opening of Parliament in 2012. The privy mark is of the Houses of Parliament.

BOT 2015 Falkland longest reign pair

Falkland Islands: The portrait is taken from the Queen’s Coronation on June 2, 1953. The privy mark is of Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation was held.

BOT 2015 S Georgia longest reign pair

South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands: The portrait of the Queen is from 2011 during the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The privy mark is of the balcony at Buckingham Palace where the couple appeared after the ceremony.

The obverse of each coin features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, along with the relevant legends and year of issue.

Each coin is produced by the Pobjoy Mint UK on behalf of each treasury and is available in Cupro Nickel (BU) and Sterling Silver (Proof). The coins are struck to the highest quality with the precious metal versions being produced with a flawless Proof finish. The design on each coin is in relief with a mirror-finish background. For more information about these and other coins issued by the four territories, please visit the Web site of the Pobjoy Mint. Information is offered in English, with international orders dispatched where applicable.

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