Queen's Diamond Jubilee - Launch of the Ship (2012)

The launch of the Royal Yacht Britannia was a joyous occasion at Clydeside, with The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, in attendance. The name Britannia was personally chosen by The Queen, and on 16 April 1953, amid the enthusiastic cheers of 30,000 well-wishers, HMY Britannia was launched down the slipway at John Brown's Clydebank Shipyard.

Britannia was commissioned on 11 January 1954, and on 1 May of that year, she carried out her first Royal duty by meeting The Queen and Prince Philip at Tobruk to bring them home after a six-month tour of the Commonwealth. The Queen's final official visit on HMY Britannia took place on 9 August 1997, when she visited the Isle of Arran.

The coin's unique commemorative reverse features the majestic Royal Yacht cutting through the waves during her launch. Throughout her 44 years of service, Britannia took The Queen on numerous overseas visits, and the flags of several countries, including Canada, the Cayman Islands, Malta, and the USA, are incorporated into the design. The Union Flag, depicted in high relief, symbolizes The Queen's safe return after each voyage.

Only 100 coins are available for local sale.

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