On Feb. 6, 1952, 25-year-old princess and heir presumptive Elizabeth succeeded her father, the ailing King George VI, as Britain’s monarch.
Her reign is now in its 65th year, and to commemorate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Royal Mail issued a new sapphire blue £5 high-denomination definitive. The stamp, which features a bas-relief portrait by Arnold Machin, also includes an iridescent overprint with the legend “65th Anniversary of Accession.”
In addition to the high-value definitive, Royal Mail issued a presentation pack; a first-day cover; and a coin cover.