Great Britain: Elizabeth II – 1952 AD – present – Diana – Charles (Wedding Commemorative) 1981 AD

Great Britain: Elizabeth II – 1926 AD – present – Diana – Charles (Wedding Commemorative) 1981 AD (obv.)

Great Britain: Elizabeth II – 1926 AD – present – Diana – Charles (Wedding Commemorative) 1981 AD (rev.)

Great Britain: A Brief History

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, located off the northwest coast of the European continent, has an area of 94,227sq. mi. (244,820 sq. km.). Capital: London. The economy is based on industrial activity and trading. Machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, and textile yarns and fabrics are exported.

After the departure of the Romans, who brought Britain into a more active relationship with Europe, it fell prey to invaders from Scandinavia and the Low Countries who drove the original Britons into Scotland and Wales, and established a profusion of kingdoms that finally united in the 11th century under the Danish King Canute. Norman rule, following the conquest of 1066, stimulated the devel-opment of those institutions, which have since distinguished British life. Henry VIII (1509-47) turned Britain from continental adven-turing and faced it to the sea – a decision that made Britain a world power from the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Strengthened by the Industrial Revolution and the defeat of Napoleon, 19th century Britain turned to the remote parts of the world and established a colonial empire of such extent and prosperity that the world has never seen its like. World Wars I and II sealed the fate of the Empire and relegated Britain to a lesser role in world affairs by draining her resources and inaugurating a worldwide movement toward national self-determination in her former colonies.

By the mid-20th century, most of the territories formerly com-prising the British Empire had gained independence, and the empire had evolved into the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of equal and autonomous states, which enjoy special trade interests. The Commonwealth is presently composed of 54 member nations, including the United Kingdom. All recognize the British monarch as head of the Commonwealth. Sixteen continue to recognize the British monarch as Head of State. They are: United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Christopher & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. Elizabeth II is personally, and separately, the Queen of the sovereign, independent countries just mentioned. There is no other British connection between the several individual, national sovereignties, except that High Commissioners represent them each instead of ambassadors in each others’ countries. [1] SCWC 1801-1900

Rulers

Victoria, 1837-1901
Edward VII, 1901-1910
George V, 1910-1936
Edward VIII, 1936
George VI, 1936-1952
Elizabeth II, 1952-

Mint Marks 

H – Heaton
KN – King’s Norton

Monetary System (Until 1970)

4 Farthings = 1 Penny
12 Pence = 1 Shilling
2 Shillings = 1 Florin
5 Shillings = 1 Crown
20 Shillings = 1 Pound (Sovereign)
21 Shillings = 1 Guinea
½ Sovereign = 10 Shillings (i.e. ½ Pound)
1 Sovereign = 1 Pound

Frequently accepted speech colloquialisms:

“Ha’penny” (say: Hayp-ni) = 1/2 Penny
“Tanner” = 6 Pence
“Bob” = 1 Shilling
“Half a Crown” (Half a Dollar) = 2 Shillings 6 Pence
“Dollar” = 5 Shillings
“Half a Quid” = 10 Shillings
“Half a Guinea” = 10 Shillings 6 Pence
“Quid” = 1 Pound
“Tenner” = 10 Pounds
“Pony” = 20 Pounds

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary – Queen Elizabeth II

Reign: 1952 AD – present

Description:

The coin pictured above is a is a Wedding Commemorative issued during the marriage of Lady Diana Spencer with H.R.H. Prince Charles of Wales.

Obverse:  Lady Diana and Prince Charles [center], “H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer” [around] year “1981” [bottom].

Reverse:  Queen Elizabeth II [center], Latin: “D.G. REG. F. D. Elizabeth II” [around]. Abbreviation for: “DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR Elizabeth II”. Translation: “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.”

Mint: –

Date: 1981

Mintage: –