Her Majesty's 80th Birthday Coin (Silver)

On 1st July 1969, Caernarfon Castle was filled with 4,000 guests, including members of the Royal family, to witness the investiture of the twenty-first Prince of Wales. During the ceremony, the Queen bestowed upon her 20-year-old son the Insignia of his Principality and Earldom of Chester, which included a sword, coronet, mantle, gold ring, and gold rod.

Prior to the Investiture, Prince Charles spent several months at Aberystwyth University studying Welsh language and history. Following the ceremony, the President of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, delivered a loyal address in both Welsh and English. After a brief religious service, also conducted in both languages, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, led the Prince to Queen Eleanor's Gate overlooking Caernarfon's Castle Square, where she presented him to the assembled crowd.

Reverse designers: Royal Mint Engraving Department. Obverse designer: Ian Rank-Broadley (Photograph: Bro/Co Camera Press London).

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