Crowning curiosity?

Did you know that the Imperial State Crown travels in its own carriage (along with the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State) ahead of the monarch to the State Opening of Parliament?


You may have spotted this crown today, being worn by The Queen, as she led the procession through the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords for the official occasion.











Prior to decimalization, a crown also used to be a coin (worth five shillings in old money) - before it was reissued as a 25p piece. A new £5 crown was issued by the Royal Mint from 1990, and a special Diamond Jubilee coin in this denomination is now available.

Sadly, the half crown coin (as shown here), was discontinued in 1970, though the 10p coin looks rather similar.








Anyway, old or new, most coins are still worth collecting - at least for the moment…
 
So, whether you’re a budding numismatist, or just saving up for a rainy day, how about this curiously collectable 1953 coronation souvenir crown-shaped money box from ShopCurious?
 
I think this characterful vintage heirloom could prove to be quite a good investment in its own right – though unfortunately you won’t be able to wear it.

Will you?