By Lucy Waterlow

PUBLISHED: 08:49 EST, 29 May 2012 | UPDATED: 11:20 EST, 29 May 2012


Forget commemorative mugs or tea towels, there's now a much more elaborate souvenir on sale to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee.

But with a price tag of 125,000, you'll need more money than taste in order to afford it. 

The East India Company has released 60 minted gold coins, one for each year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, encrusted with diamonds to celebrate the royal milestone.

Despite the hefty price tag, the company has revealed that it has had 'brisk and determined interest' from monarchist collectors and investors from across the globe.

Diamond Queen: The East India Company have released 60 of these gold coins encrusted with diamonds to mark the jubilee

Diamond Queen: The East India Company have released 60 of these gold coins encrusted with diamonds to mark the jubilee

The gold coins weigh a kilo and feature the head of the Queen wearing a diamond tiara, necklace and brooch with the words 'Elizabeth Regina, Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012' around the outside.

They have also released 60 silver coins of the same design and weight but at a 'cheaper' price of 25,000.

Each kilo struck by The Royal Mint represents over 1,000 hours of craftsmanship - and the company has received particularly high interest in the coins from international buyers.

As a result, the company is now scheduling private viewings in Monaco, Moscow, Geneva, Hong Kong, the Middle East and India.

The East India Company, which has a flagship store in Mayfair, has long-standing links to the British monarchy.

Expensive souvenir: Diamonds are encrusted in the tiara, necklace and brooch of the Queen's image raising the price of the one kilo gold coin to 125,000

Expensive souvenir: Diamonds are encrusted in the tiara, necklace and brooch of the Queen's image raising the price of the one kilo gold coin to 125,000

Queen Elizabeth I founded the East India Company in 1600 by Royal Charter.

In the 19th century, the company set jewels in a tiara for Britain's other diamond Queen, Queen Victoria, when she was crowned Empress of India. 

Sanjiv Mehta, CEO of East India Company said: 'The company was instrumental in building the British Empire with its legacy still visible today in what we know as the Commonwealth Nations.

'We chose to commission the Royal Mint, another quintessential British brand who first minted coins for us over 200 years ago, with this unique project to create a timeless tribute that reflects the grand achievement it celebrates.'

Commemorative: Sixty silver coins have also been made and are on sale for 25,000

Commemorative: Sixty silver coins have also been made and are on sale for 25,000

Given the expensive nature of the purchase, buyers get more for their money than just the coin.

It is presented on royal purple velvet in a bespoke presentation case, designed by British company Linley.

A diamond-magnifying loupe is hidden in the base compartment of the presentation case, which enables owners to get a close-up view of the encrusted diamonds.

The purchase also includes a book which tells the story of the Queen Elizabeth II's 60-year reign.

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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It's just like one of those adverts you find in the back of Viz magazine..!

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Who cares..?? I'll stick to my everyday coins thank you.. Even if I had the money I wouldn't be spending it on something of the sort.. Waste of money I say..

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Yet again something for the rich to invest in.

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The East India Company still exists?? I had no idea! They had their own army and navy 'back in the day' (19th Century). Hideous coin though...

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This is an awful image of the queen!

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OMG!!! How hideous!!!

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Poor Queen. SHe looks as though somoene's poked her with a stick!

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Although some of the comments may seem a little negative, lets face it the Queen's achievment of being on the throne for 60 years is commendable. So why not have something like this to celebrate the jubilee, it goes without saying that this is certainly a once in a life time occasion.

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The portrait is completely rubbish and looks nothing like the queen face. She is made to look more like a toothless version of Dame Edna!

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'...it is perfectly hideous'

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