1935 Crown piece

The Royal Mint’s history of striking modern commemorative coins begins with this crown piece, struck to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935. The crown’s size provided the artist Percy Metcalfe with a handsome canvas onto which to display his heavily stylised version of the traditional motif of St George and the Dragon. St George is depicted in full armour and, on close inspection, bears a remarkable resemblance to the artist himself.

The Silver Jubilee crown of 1935 was struck primarily in silver, but a very small number were produced in gold. Watch this video to hear our Information and Research Officer, Chris Barker, talk about the King’s reaction to this celebratory piece.