A reader of this blog sent me a question recently: "Why does
the Queen no longer have her crown on our money?"
Good question! And not one I had given much thought. The
Queen's portrait appears on all Canadian coins (and the $20
dollar bill). As the Queen has reigned since the 1950s it is
understandable that the Queen's portrait on the currency has
been changed a few times. The first portrait was used from
1953-1964, the second from 1965-1989, the third from 1990-
2002, and the current portrait beginning in 2003. And,
indeed, the 2003 portrait is the only one without the crown.
This isn't the first time a portrait of the monarch has been
used without them wearing a crown (or at least a tiara). Going
back to Queen Victoria each monarch has had at least one
coin where they do not wear any sort of headdress.
But this still leaves the question of why?
the Queen no longer have her crown on our money?"
Good question! And not one I had given much thought. The
Queen's portrait appears on all Canadian coins (and the $20
dollar bill). As the Queen has reigned since the 1950s it is
understandable that the Queen's portrait on the currency has
been changed a few times. The first portrait was used from
1953-1964, the second from 1965-1989, the third from 1990-
2002, and the current portrait beginning in 2003. And,
indeed, the 2003 portrait is the only one without the crown.
This isn't the first time a portrait of the monarch has been
used without them wearing a crown (or at least a tiara). Going
back to Queen Victoria each monarch has had at least one
coin where they do not wear any sort of headdress.
But this still leaves the question of why?
Queen sans crown Google searches turned up next to nothing.
Wikipedia wasn't much more help. I did find
the name of the Canadian Artist who's
design was used for the 2003 redesign.
Susanna Blunt's design was chosen by the
Canadian Mint to appear on the currency in
2003.
Wikipedia wasn't much more help. I did find
the name of the Canadian Artist who's
design was used for the 2003 redesign.
Susanna Blunt's design was chosen by the
Canadian Mint to appear on the currency in
2003.
A quick email to Ms. Blunt got me an answer to the question:
"Because she requested not to wear it!"
And with that we have our answer. Perhaps not the most
exciting answer but an understandable one. The various
crowns used by the sovereign are heavy. Before the opening
of the British Parliament the Queen has been known to
practice in order to get used to the weight. Even the tiaras
would start to feel heavy in the time it took to work on a
portrait. Or perhaps the Queen simply decided this portrait
didn't need to belabor the point that she is the monarch.
Either way it is an excellent portrait of the Queen as the grand
dame of Canada.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
"Because she requested not to wear it!"
And with that we have our answer. Perhaps not the most
exciting answer but an understandable one. The various
crowns used by the sovereign are heavy. Before the opening
of the British Parliament the Queen has been known to
practice in order to get used to the weight. Even the tiaras
would start to feel heavy in the time it took to work on a
portrait. Or perhaps the Queen simply decided this portrait
didn't need to belabor the point that she is the monarch.
Either way it is an excellent portrait of the Queen as the grand
dame of Canada.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
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