As bunting is hung throughout the UK’s cities, towns and villages for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, collectors of Royal souvenirs and memorabilia have a variety of delights, commemorative stamps and coins to choose from.
The tradition of collecting themed royal objects, including plates, mugs and special edition coins, can be traced back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661.
Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch in UK history to celebrate 70 years on the throne. As a result, Platinum Jubilee collectables will have particular significance for royal enthusiasts and collectors. Whilst they will certainly have historical and sentimental value, they are not usually considered a financial investment. However, rarities can accrue value. For example, a best quality Queen Victoria Coronation mug can fetch over £1,000 at auction.
Some of the best Jubilee Souvenirs
If you are considering how best to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee, House and Garden magazine has compiled a list of the best memorabilia to enjoy now and some pieces that will last for posterity. Our favourites at Smith Greenfield include:
Jubilee Cushion, from Chelsea Textiles.
Each one of these fabulous cushions comes with a certificate of a tree being planted within the Queen’s Green Canopy.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years 1/2 Pint Mug, from Emma Bridgewater.
This charming design that celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee in a playful way. It will endure and stay useful long after street parties and bunting have been tidied away.
Platinum Jubilee Classic Cuvee MV Limited Edition, from Nyetimber.
Created just for the Platinum Jubilee, Nyetimber have released a special edition bottle of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage for the occasion. The perfect gift for a friend who particularly loves the Queen.
The English Royal Platinum Jubilee, from The English Whiskey Company.
To celebrate 70 years of Queen Elizabeth, the English Whiskey Company have released a special edition single malt.
The Jubilee Tea Party Hamper, from Fortnum & Mason.
This is something to enjoy now and the perfect hamper for anyone planning a delicious and indulgent Jubilee celebration at teatime. It is filled with Fortnum’s favourites including plump, fruity preserves, sweetly buttery biscuits and extraordinary teas.
For even more ideas The Daily Telegraph has published a list of great souvenirs to consider ‘outside of mugs and tea pots’, from crystal champagne flutes to a special edition Swatch and Barbie doll.
Advice for the collector
When it comes to selecting royal memorabilia for your collection or as a gift, Hemswell Antiques Centre’s Guide to Royal Memorabilia offers some good advice: “Novice collectors should always collect pieces to enjoy rather than as an investment, while the experienced collector should look for rare objects, particularly old pieces or very personal items whether that is a mug, a piece of cake or a coin.”
Smith Greenfield is an independent insurance broker specialising in insurance for high value homes and collectors of valuable objects including: art insurance, antiques insurance, memorabilia insurance, vintage car insurance, fine wine insurance and more. To discuss specialist insurance for your home or collection, please contact our Premier Client Adviser, Imran Moideen, via email imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730.
Photo: The emblem design for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is based on an original illustration drawn by Edward Roberts, a 19-year-old student at the University of Leeds. Edwards’s simple platinum line design reflects The Queen’s continuous service and was selected by a judging panel of industry experts.