Remembering the People’s Princess: Diana, Princess of Wales

To remember Diana, Princess of Wales, on the 25th anniversary of her death, Pobjoy Mint has announced the release of a new coin on behalf of the Bank of Sierra Leone, in memory of a life that was tragically cut short in a fatal car accident on Aug. 31, 1997.

Diana was born into the British nobility and grew up close to the royal family on their Sandringham estate. In 1981, while working as a nursery teacher’s assistant, she became engaged to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Their wedding took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1981 and made her Princess of Wales, a role in which she was enthusiastically received by the public. They had two sons, William and Harry, who were then second and third in the line of succession to the British throne.

As Princess of Wales, Diana undertook royal duties on behalf of the Queen and represented her at functions across the Commonwealth realms. She was celebrated in the media for her unconventional approach to charity work. The Princess was initially noted for her shyness, but her charisma and friendliness endeared her to the public and helped her reputation survive the acrimonious collapse of her marriage. Considered to be very photogenic, she was a leader of fashion in the 1980s and 1990s. Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris led to extensive public mourning and global media attention. Her legacy has had a deep impact on the royal family and British society.

This stunning coin has been produced in Uncirculated Cupro Nickel as well as Proof Sterling Silver. The love and devotion the princes shared for their mother shines through in this delightful new collector’s coin which depicts Diana, arms wrapped around Harry in a warm embrace, with William cuddling up to her right shoulder. The wording ‘1961-1997 Diana Princess of Wales’ appears in the surround and the obverse of the coin bears the Coat of Arms of Sierra Leone.