logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
10m 24s

How much is the Coronation crown worth?

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Consisting of 2 kilograms of gold and 444 gemstones, the iconic St Edward’s Crown will play a central role in the coronation of King Charles III, as it has for many of his predecessors. There has been much speculation as to what the value of the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels really is.

Charlotte McDonald talks to Dr Anna Keay, historian and author of The Crown Jewels - the Official History, and Alan Hart, CEO of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Together they break down what we know about the crown’s cost to make in the 17th century and what it might be worth today.

Up next
Oct 8
Does half the UK get more in benefits than they pay in tax?
Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news. This week:The Daily Mail says that over half of the UK population live in households that get more in benefits than they pay in tax - is it true?Do some billionaires earn more in a night than the population of Bournemouth ... Show More
26m 40s
Oct 4
Is the world getting less miserable?
When you follow the news, particularly in countries like the UK and the US, it sometimes feels like people are less optimistic about their lives than they were in the past. But a new piece of analysis from polling company Gallup suggests this might just be the local view, not the ... Show More
8m 58s
Oct 1
Has Donald Trump ended seven 'unendable' wars?
Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news. This week:US President Donald Trump claims he has ended seven “unendable” wars. Is that true?Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the UK was the fastest growing economy in the G7 for the first six months of 2025. What do you need ... Show More
28m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
The Crown Jewels
The British Crown Jewels is a priceless collection of items gathered over eight turbulent centuries. Consisting of 100 objects decorated with 23,000 gemstones, it’s held at the Tower of London, protected by guards and high-tech security. But why did one thief put the crown jewels ... Show More
45m 53s
May 2023
Problematic Crown Jewels & Coronation Controversies
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla is a once in a generation event which will go down in history. But will it go down for all the wrong reasons? The coronation has been surrounded by a number of controversies from what the royals will wear to who will an ... Show More
31m 10s
May 2023
Coronation of King Charles III
Royalty and dignitaries from around the world have arrived in London ahead of the coronation of King Charles. Many of them will be guests in Westminster Abbey on Saturday morning where the coronation ceremony will begin at 11 o'clock. Millions of other people across the UK and be ... Show More
54m 20s
May 2023
The Coronation: Good for Business or Royal Pain?
Experts project that the coronation of King Charles III will cost British taxpayers at least £100 million pounds. So the big question is: what’s the ROI? Will the coronation help or hurt the British economy? Nicole digs into both sides of the argument, and ultimately, gives some ... Show More
12m 55s
Sep 2022
8. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
A single stone has been fought over for at least 250 years by four different empires, and now sits in the Queen Consort's crown as part of the British royal family's Crown Jewels. William and Anita trace the murky history of one of the world's most famous diamonds. Learn more abo ... Show More
53m 58s
May 2023
Bonus: The Coronation of King Charles III (feat. Katie Nicholl)
May 6, 2023. For the first time in 70 years, Great Britain will crown a new monarch. King Charles III will officially take the throne, and his wife will be named Queen Camilla. The coronation itself is brimming with history, the first at Westminster Abbey held nearly 1,000 years ... Show More
20m 58s
Mar 2023
The Crown Jewels: A Peek Inside the Jewel House
Please take my listener survey to help improve the podcast: www.surveymonkey.com/r/airwave The Crown. The very symbols of power, wealth, majesty and royalty. You can’t be the King without the Bling. Let’s take a look at the 1500 year history of the British crown jewels. They have ... Show More
34m 15s
Mar 2023
The Crown Jewels: A Journey Through History
Please take my listener survey to help improve the podcast: www.surveymonkey.com/r/airwave The Crown. The very symbols of power, wealth, majesty and royalty. You can’t be the King without the Bling. Let’s take a look at the 1500 year history of the British crown jewels. They have ... Show More
28m 32s