100 Poppies, 100 years – Creating a masterpiece.

This year marks one hundred years since the First World War came to an end, making the 2018 Poppy coin designs even more special.

The Masterpiece Poppy Coin

Issued in support of The Royal British Legion, the brand new Masterpiece Poppy coin very poignantly and quite literally stands out as it uses an incredible 3 dimensional effect.

It’s called a Masterpiece for a reason. Using cutting edge minting techniques and specialist craftsmanship, a stylised Royal British Legion poppy, proudly sits on top of your coin, resulting in an exceptional 9mm relief.

What’s more, there’s another aspect that makes this year’s Masterpiece Poppy so special.  

British Artillery Shell

You see, the Golden coloured poppy that adorns your coin has been made from inert brass British artillery shell fuses recovered from the First World War battlefield of the Somme and areas of France and Belgium. Some were recovered by Chris Bennett of TMB Art Metal, but most were trawled in by farmers from ploughed fields.

The shells are then brought back to the UK, where they are melted down and poured into a mould. It is then cooled and cleaned to created the high-relief poppy. 

Straight from the frontline

And that’s not all, each poppy has a central disc of red enamel which has been applied by hand and, to add even more poignancy, this enamel is mixed with earth recovered from several locations along the British Front Line of the Somme and Passchendaele areas in Belgium.

Therefore, not only are the poppies made of actual WW1 metal, but they also possess the very essence of the battlefield which the brave soldiers fought and died upon, and that many still lie at peace beneath.

100 Poppies, 100 years

Significantly, 99 poppies have been engraved into the surface of the coin, making 100 poppies in total to reflect the centenary anniversary.

The finish on this year’s Masterpiece design is a stunning antique effect. It means that, should you wish, you can actually touch the coin and the brass poppy itself. A chance to hold a genuine piece of history in your hands.

Watch the below video to see the incredible detail that has gone into this years stunning release. 

Presentation that befits your masterpiece

And, as befits such a masterpiece, its presentation matches the coin’s impressiveness.

The luxurious wooden display case allows you to display your Masterpiece Poppy Coin to the best advantage, with its glass lid protecting the coin. Inside the box is space for the individually hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity, as well as the accompanying booklet that tells the story of the Masterpiece Poppy Coin from concept to final coin.

Available now – with a donation to The Royal British Legion

The 2018 Masterpiece 5oz Silver Proof Poppy Coin is available to own right now from The Westminster Collection, although they are expected to sell out quickly.

To further support the work of The Royal British Legion, a donation of £55 from the sale of each coin will go directly to the charity, helping them to continue to provide financial, social and life-long support to the Armed Forces community.

£1,000,000 Milestone

What’s more, since our partnership began we are on target to raise an incredible £1,000,000 in support of The Royal British Legion.

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If you’re interested…

You can own the 2018 Masterpiece Poppy coin by clicking here >>

£55.00 from the sale of this product will be paid to The Royal British Legion Trading Limited, which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (charity no. 219279) or Poppyscotland (Scottish charity SC014096). Your donation will be given to either charity based on where the item was purchased.