The 1960 Crown is an Elizabeth II commemorative crown associated with the British Exhibition in New York. It is a historic non-circulating crown, not a modern £5 coin.
1960 Crown specifications
The standard issue is cupro-nickel, weighs 28.28 grams and measures 38.61 millimetres in diameter. The reverse carries the Royal Arms. Specialist catalogues list standard, prooflike and small frosted VIP proof categories, so the exact finish must be identified before comparing examples.
Published catalogue totals vary slightly. One specialist reference records about 1,024,038 standard pieces, 70,000 prooflike pieces and 50 frosted VIP proof pieces. Treat these as source-specific catalogue figures rather than adding them into an unqualified total.
Why the finish matters
A standard exhibition issue, a prooflike coin and a frosted proof are separate collecting categories. Exhibition provenance can be relevant, but a seller’s description alone does not prove it. Check the surface, edge, packaging and any supporting documentation.
How much is it worth?
There is no single value for every 1960 Crown. Condition, finish, certification, provenance and presentation affect demand. Do not use old online listings, dealer prices or catalogue indicators as current market value.
Compare several recent completed sales of the same finish and condition. Record the sale date, grade, lot contents and buyer’s premium, and check whether the result is for one coin or a larger lot.
How to identify your coin
Check the date, Elizabeth II portrait, Royal Arms reverse, weight, diameter, edge, finish and packaging. A reflective surface does not by itself prove that a coin is a Proof. Unusual examples should be checked by a recognised numismatist or auction specialist.
Legal tender
Pre-1990 UK commemorative crowns were redenominated to 25 pence. Royal Mint guidance explains that legal-tender status does not require shops or banks to accept a commemorative crown.