Historical information

The coronation of Elizabeth II as Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms took place on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. Elizabeth acceded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952. It was the first British coronation to be fully televised around the world.
Celebrations took place around the world and a wide array of memorabilia was produced. Items ranged from mass-produced ceramics (mugs, plates, teasets) by firms like Doulton to official, limited-edition souvenirs. Commemorative items also included spoons, tins, flags and money boxes such as this item produced by Bester's Sweets Company in England and in Melbourne, Victoria.

Significance

This item is significant because it records an important event in the British Royal Family, a vital part of the hereditary of many Wodonga residents. Queen Elizabeth became the official head of the Government of Australia at that time.

Physical description

Rectangular money box with light yellow background and a different illustration and inscription on each side. On one side is Queen Elizabeth with Prince Charles. They are framed by a window. She is wearing a light blue suit with a brooch on the lapel and a string of pearls around her neck.

A more formal image of the Queen is on the opposite side. She is wearing a tiara and a white fur and is holding a large bunch of flowers. The background is brown.
Both side panels are inscribed.

Inscriptions & markings

Side 1 - "THE ROYAL LINE / SAXON / NORMAN / PLANTAGENET / TUDOR / STUART / HANOVER / SAXE-COBURG AND GOTHA / WINDSOR / ELIZABETH II"
Side 2 - EIIR / BORN/ April 21st, 1926 / MARRIED / November 20th, 1947 / ACCESSION TO THRONE / February 6th, 1952 / CORONATION / June 2nd, 1953"
One base - Bester's Sweets