A limited edition $5 silver coin commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II went on sale (Tuesday, 22 May, 2012), at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s (CIMA’s) Currency Section in the main Government building on Elgin Avenue.

Issued by the Royal Mint, the coin is named “the Launch of Ship” and commemorates the launch of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Only 100 of the coins will be available for sale. Each comes with a special anniversary information card. The selling price is $89.65.

The Britannia was commissioned in January 1954, the year after Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. This vessel took the Queen and members of the Royal Family on many visits around the Commonwealth, including her 1994 visit to the Cayman Islands, before it was retired in August 1997.

This is the first of a two-coin collection which serves as a tribute to the leadership of the Queen throughout her 60-year reign. The second Jubilee Coin assigned to the Cayman Islands will be minted later this year, toward the end of the celebration.

Each country within the Commonwealth received a special design from the Monarchy, to be minted on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee.  Each design illustrates a hallmark of the Queen’s 60-year reign that is of personal significance to the Sovereign.

In 1887 Queen Victoria became the first Monarch to use a coin to mark a royal Jubilee. She went on to reign for 63 years – the longest of any British monarch.

“Connecting Cultures” is the theme for the Jubilee festivities throughout the Commonwealth.

Cayman Islands events kick off this Saturday, 26 May. For more information visit: www.Facebook.com/CaymanIslandsProtocol; Twitter.com/CaymanProtocol; call 949-9809 or email [email protected]. Also, visit the UK’s official website: www.TheDiamondJubilee.org.

Photo by Information Officer Lennon Christian