2026 '500 Years of the Crown' Gold Proof £5 Coin

Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the introduction of the original gold crown coin with this £5 Gold proof release from The Royal Mint.

This coin release is limited to just 150 individual coins, making it an excellent addition to any numismatic or historical collection.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the original coin was introduced in August 1526 and known as the "Crown of the Rose". It was then replaced shortly after, in October 1526, by the "Crown of the Double Rose", the coin that renowned heraldic artist, Timothy Noad took inspiration from for this modern day release.

• Fineness: 0.9167 / 22 carat gold
• Finish: Proof
• Total Metal Content: Contains 1.1771 troy ounces of gold
• Weight: 39.94g
• Diameter: 38.61mm
• Presentation: With box and certificate from The Royal Mint

You may also be interested in the silver variant of the coin, or our proof coin range.

What is the history of the British Crown coin?

First introduced in August 1526 during the reign of Henry VIII, the original “Crown of the Rose” was a gold coin valued at four shillings and six pence, before a more practical five-shilling denomination, "Crown of the Double Rose" was later issued in October the same year.

Under Edward VI in 1551, the crown was re-established as a large silver coin, a standard that endured as gold issues were gradually withdrawn and fully phased out by the mid-17th century under Charles II.

Following the Great Recoinage of the early 19th century, the crown became a consistent and recognisable feature of British currency from 1818, commonly used for substantial transactions and as a store of value.

Its composition changed in 1947, when silver was removed from circulating coinage and replaced with cupro-nickel, marking a shift in response to post-war economic conditions. By 1953, the crown had largely transitioned from everyday currency to a commemorative issue, re-tariffed as a 25-pence piece to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

This transformation was completed in 1990, when the denomination was officially raised to £5, aligning the coin with its modern role as a larger-format collector’s piece that continues to celebrate significant national events and royal occasions.

Royal Mint Official Partner

Chards is an official partner of The Royal Mint. This range among other new Royal Mint products, are sourced directly from their mint headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales.

What Are Proof Coins?

Proof coins are specially produced to a much higher standard of finish than bullion coins. These coins are not graded by condition but are instead defined by their method of production. Originally created as pre-production samples, proof coins now serve a prominent role in the collector's market.

The obverse features the uncrowned portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings. The portrait is framed by the following text:

CHARLES III · D · G · REX · F · D · 100 POUNDS ·

Both the portrait and text are framed by a border consisting of a lined pattern and 5 roses, depicting the 5 centuries since the coin's original release.

The reverse from Timothy Noad features the crowned Tudor Rose, framed by a curved rose stem. Besides the central image of the rose are the royal cyphers of King Charles III to the left and Queen Consort Camilla to the right. The inscription seen around the circumference of the coin reads:

ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLD CROWN

1526 - 2026