Queen Elizabeth Depicted On Horseback On New Coin For Platinum Jubilee

A new coin commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee features the monarch's favorite pastime.

On Thursday, a 50 pence coin with artwork depicting the Queen riding a horse was unveiled by the Royal Mint. The coin commemorates the 95-year-old royal's Platinum Jubilee on Feb. 6, marking her 70 years on the throne.

The Queen personally approved the artwork, which represents her "fondness for nature," the BBC reported.

The Royal Mint released photos of "a range of new and historic coins" on Instagram and Twitter, revealing that John Bergdahl and London-based firm Osborne Ross were responsible for the design.

Some coins featured Queen Elizabeth's insignia and the years of her reign so far, 1952 to 2022.

Her Majesty is known for her love of horses, but it has been reported that the Queen has not ridden since September last year, according to People.

She was given her first horse, a Shetland pony, when she was just 4 years old and never outgrew her fondness for them. Queen Elizabeth attends the annual Windsor Horse Show and enjoys watching races such as the Royal Ascot. The Queen's daughter Princess Anne and granddaughter Zara Tindall inherited her passion for horses as well.

The Queen not only rides for fun but also appears on horseback during events such as the annual Trooping the Colour — the public celebration of the monarch's birthday.

The new commemorative coin appears to depict Queen Elizabeth on one such occasion as she can be seen sporting a hat with a feather in the artwork.

This was the first time a collectible 50p had been minted to celebrate a royal event.

Clare Maclennan, divisional director of The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, told the BBC that the "historic occasion" of the Platinum Jubilee was "particularly special."

"Designed by esteemed artists and made with original craftsmanship, Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee coins are enduring pieces of art that will be collected, cherished and passed down for generations," she said.

"The Queen's legacy on coins stretches the length of her momentous reign," said Royal Mint Museum historian Chris Barker. "Today's launch marks another significant milestone, and the Royal Mint plays a proud part in the nationwide celebrations."

As part of the celebrations, the Royal Mint is giving away 7,000 coins to children who complete the special Jubilee edition of the Queen's Green Canopy Junior Forester Award.

The award aims to "inspire young people to learn about the benefit of trees and assist in woodland management in their local community."

The Queen will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee from June 2 to June 5. The four-day celebration aims to provide opportunities for communities and people throughout the U.K. to gather together for the historic milestone.

The festivities will include public events and community activities, including a live concert called "Platinum Party at the Palace," the Big Jubilee Lunch and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.