Brilliant Uncirculated Quality
The cupro-nickel coin is struck by the Royal Mint in brilliant uncirculated
quality.
Crown and Oak Leaves Design
The specially designed reverse depicts a crown, the symbol of monarchy, with a spray
of oak leaves and, in a pleasing link with the coinage of Charles II, interlinked
Cs.
United Kingdom Legal Tender
Depicting the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its
obverse, the coin is issued as legal tender of the United Kingdom.
Colourful Presentation Folder
The coin is housed in a colourful presentation folder recounting the life of Charles
II.
Limited Issue
The presentation is limited to 50,000 worldwide.
The UK’s commemorative £5 coin for 2010 marks a crucial episode in
British history. In 1660 the system of government under the Commonwealth was abandoned in
favour of a restored monarchy of Charles II.
Historical Information
Charles II hid in an oak tree to escape capture following his defeat at the Battle of
Worcester, and this became a defining moment in Restoration lore. The coin therefore
includes a number of references to it, with oak leaves featuring prominently, as well as
oak apple flowers. The latter refer to Oak Apple Day, a national holiday celebrating the
King’s return to London. The heraldic crown is a very simplified version of Charles II’s
crown, and the floral design beneath it includes an English rose of the period and thistles
representing Scotland. The entwined C and lettering style are taken from the coinage of
Charles II. The design was created by David Cornell.