The latest special edition of postage stamps from the Royal Mail features a series of images of the Crown Jewels.
The eight stamps were designed to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the creation of the Crown Jewels, and the Royal Mail took the opportunity to publicise the new collection with a visit to the Tower of London.
Jewel House Warders Tom Raper, Golum Mostofa, Barry Morgan, Craig Joyce and Sandra Bond took a break from their normal duties and posed outside the Tower with the stamps.
Designers focused on some of the most important elements of the collection, with images chosen to highlight their workmanship and beauty.
The stamps
1st Class – The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. From 1661 and so called because it is surmounted by a cross. In 1905 it was redesigned to incorporate the Great Star of Africa, the second-largest cut diamond in the world. During the coronation the monarch bears the sceptre with the cross in the right hand.
1st Class – St Edward’s Crown. Again from 1661, the cross has 444 precious stones and is the one with which monarchs are crowned when they ascend the throne. This is the one reputed to have been made with gold recovered from the throne of Alfred the Great.
68p – Rod & Sceptre with Doves. Again 1661, it is topped with a dove symbolising the Holy Ghost. During the coronation the monarch bears the sceptre with the dove in the left hand. The smaller of the two sceptres with the closed wings of the dove is used by the monarch’s consort.
68p – Queen Mary’s Crown. The Crown of Queen Mary was the consort crown of Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of King George V. It was manufactured for the coronation of George and Mary in 1911. Since Queen Mary’s death on March 24, 1953, her consort crown has remained unworn.
76p – The Sovereign’s Orb. The Orb was created for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661. It is a hollow gold sphere weighing 42 ounces. The Orb is a religious symbol; it represents the monarch’s role as Defender of the Faith and as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
76p – The Jewelled Sword of Offering. The Jewelled Sword of Offering was made for the coronation of King George IV. It is the only sword actually presented to the sovereign during the coronation (by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to signify that the royal power is at the service of the Church).
£1.10 – Imperial State Crown. The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for King George VI. Among the stones are several famous ones, including the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Cullinan II Diamond, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa. It is worn after the conclusion of the coron-ation ceremony when the monarch leaves Westminster Abbey and at the annual State Opening of Parliament.
£1.10 – Coronation Spoon. Dating from the 13th century, the spoon was the only part of the royal regalia to escape destruction by Cromwell. At the coronation ceremony it is used to anoint the sovereign with holy oil.