Royal Mail 2011 Crown Jewels postage stampsMany nations have royal jewels, but the British Crown Jewels are unique, recognized around the world as a dazzling collection of objects representing royal sovereignty. Today, the Royal Mail is issuing a set of postage stamps depicting eight of the most important and iconic items with the Crown Jewel collection.

The Crown Jewels are particularly remarkable due to their long continuous use: the collection is still used in a coronation ceremony that has changed little in a thousand years. The year 2011 marks the 350th anniversary for many of the pieces. The original set had been broken up during the republican government of Oliver Cromwell, so a new set of state regalia had to be created for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661, following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Over the intervening years the collection of state regalia, commonly known as the Crown Jewels, has been supplemented and redesigned for members of the royal family and royal occasions.

Images for the Crown Jewels stamp set were specifically chosen to reflect the beauty and intricate workmanship of the items featured. Royal Mail consulted with the Royal Collection, custodians of the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels shown on the stamps are the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, St Edward's Crown, Rod and Sceptre with Doves, Queen Mary's Crown, The Sovereign's Orb, Jewelled Sword of Offering and the Imperial State Crown.

Great Britain's Royal Mail is also producing a presentation pack, first day cover, stamp cards, and a coin cover to accompany the Crown Jewels stamps.

The Crown Jewels Stamps First Day Cover

This First Day Cover features all eight stamps and includes interesting factual information about the Crown Jewels as illustrated on the stamps. The postmark LONDON EC3 was chosen for the cancellation, as it is the location of the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept and exhibited. Both the First Day Cover Envelope and filler card were designed by Purpose with text by heritage expert, Dr Anna Keay.

The Crown Jewels Presentation pack

The fully illustrated presentation pack designed by Purpose contains the eight Crown Jewels stamps. Inside, heritage expert Dr Keay takes a look at the Crown Jewels, their history and their use in the coronation ceremony.

The Crown Jewels Stamp cards

Eight postcards bearing enlarged images of each of the Crown Jewels stamps went on sale about a week before the stamp issue date.

Restoration of the Monarchy Coin Cover

All eight Crown Jewels stamps are affixed to the Restoration of the Monarchy Coin Cover together with a 2010 Restoration of the Monarchy £5 coin within a plastic blister. The filler card tells the story of the restoration of King Charles II. The cover, jointly issued by Royal Mail and the Royal Mint, is a limited edition of 10,000.

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