Posts by Aaron Wickings
Living with The Clangers – Interview with Dan Postgate
If you grew up watching the Clangers — the whimsical, whistling creatures from a little blue planet — you’ve experienced a unique slice of British TV magic. First imagined in the late 1960s by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin of Smallfilms, the original Clangers joined a lineup of beloved classics like Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine, and Noggin the Nog.
Dan Postgate, Oliver’s son, grew up immersed in this creative world, surrounded by handmade models and animation magic. Years later, he revived the Clangers as lead writer and voice actor, staying true to its gentle spirit while bringing it to a new generation. His work earned him a BAFTA in 2015 — a tribute to both his father’s legacy and his own storytelling talent.
– Watch the exclusive interview below –
This year marks 100 years since the birth of Oliver Postgate, the creator of SmallfilmsTM and the brilliant mind behind some of the most beloved children’s television classics.
And now, Postgate’s most memorable creations are the subject of a set of new 50p coins!
You can now celebrate the magic of classic British children’s television with the Classic Children’s TV Signed 50p Collection — a nostalgic tribute to the iconic characters of Smallfilms™.
Featuring Bagpuss, The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog, and Poggle’s Wood, each 50p coin is finished to Brilliant Uncirculated quality and brought to life in vibrant colour. Limited to just 500 sets, each one is hand-signed by Dan Postgate
Take a look at the brand new designs and shop the whole range below.
Bridging the Gap Between Numismatics and Art
Ground-breaking Minting Technology: Smartminting®.
At The Westminster Collection, we are always on the hunt for extraordinary, one-of-a-kind coins that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s an innovative shape, size, or cutting-edge minting technique, we know our collectors crave that “something special” – and this latest release is sure to captivate.
But before you read on, here’s the deal: similar designs have sold out before they even hit general release! So, when we say this is a big deal, we mean it.
The Evolution of Smartminting®: A Revolution in Coin Design
The development of Smartminting® technology has completely revolutionised the world of coin production, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. This innovative process allows for an unparalleled level of detail and ultra-high relief, transforming coins into breathtaking miniature sculptures.
And with only a handful of mints globally capable of this technological feat, owning one of these coins is truly a rare opportunity.
A perfect example of Smartminting®’s brilliance is showcased in The Snow Leopard 50g Copper Coin – a work of art that blurs the line between numismatics and fine art.
Just look at the intricate detail: both sides of the coin feature incredibly high-relief Proof Finishes, something that was unthinkable just a few years ago.
It’s not just a coin—it’s a masterpiece.
A Stunning Tribute to the Endangered Snow Leopard
Beyond its technical prowess, this piece is a tribute to one of the world’s most elusive and endangered creatures: the majestic Snow Leopard. Every fur strand, muscle contour, and fierce claw is depicted with stunning accuracy, giving the coin a dynamic, lifelike quality. On the obverse, the Snow Leopard’s claws seem to tear through the copper itself, a design so realistic you’ll almost feel the power of this magnificent animal.
The Collectible You Can’t Afford to Miss
The beauty of Smartminting® isn’t just about stunning looks. These coins are produced in extremely limited quantities, which significantly enhances their collectability. This combination of rarity, artistic craftsmanship, and technical innovation makes each piece a must-have for collectors.
And if you’re wondering just how remarkable this coin truly is, there’s only one way to fully appreciate it: watch the video below. This video is the only way to fully appreciate this coin without physically holding it. It offers a 360-degree view of the piece, highlighting its three-dimensional depth and exceptional craftsmanship.
Act Now: Secure Your Snow Leopard Coin Before It’s Gone
This stunning Snow Leopard coin is limited to only 5000 pieces worldwide, making it a rare treasure for a select few collectors. Given the rapid sell-out of previous coins in the Wild Mongolia Series – and the option to secure this remarkable piece with five interest-free instalments of just £15 – we don’t expect these to be available for long…
Don’t miss your chance to own this unique work of art – order yours today to guarantee a spot in your collection >>
Hold History in Your Hands: A Real Piece of Spitfire on the 2024 RBL Masterpiece Coin
Remembrance Day is a sacred time for the nation to reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who served in the military. In tribute to this momentous occasion, the 2024 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Silver 5oz Coin has been unveiled – a breath-taking homage that commemorates one of the most iconic and pivotal moments in military history: the D-Day landings of World War II.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of this pivotal event, let’s explore the unique features of this limited-edition Masterpiece.
A Historic Connection to D-Day
At the heart of this stunning Pure Silver coin lies a powerful link to the largest seaborne invasion in history: D-Day, June 6th, 1944.
The centrepiece of the coin is a beautifully detailed Dakota C-47 aircraft, the same type that was used to drop paratroopers and supplies during the invasion. In this design, however, the Dakota is shown releasing a cascade of poppies—a tribute inspired by the moving 2019 event when 750,000 poppies were dropped over the cliffs of Dover. This image embodies the spirit of remembrance, honouring those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
This design allows you to hold a tangible piece of history in your hands—a tribute to the brave men and women of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy and forever altered the course of the war.
Beneath the Dakota C-47, you’ll find another important piece of World War II history: a Spitfire AB910 in flight. But this is more than just an artistic rendering—this Spitfire is crafted from a genuine piece of skinning material from the real Spitfire AB910, a true D-Day veteran. This Spitfire made a significant contribution to D-Day as AB910 flew beachhead cover patrols during the day and night on D-Day itself and over the following days.
In the background of the coin, a map of the Normandy beaches is depicted, focusing on the area near Caen—where the D-Day landings took place.
This map is a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the Allied forces, and the depiction of the Dakota and Spitfire heading towards the coast perfectly captures the spirit of the invasion.
Secure Your Limited-Edition Coin Today
With only 300 coins available, this limited-edition release is bound to sell out quickly. Each coin comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity, ensuring you know exactly which one you’ve secured from the tiny worldwide edition.
In addition, your purchase includes an informational booklet that explores the historical significance of the design elements, making this more than just a collector’s piece—it’s a meaningful tribute to one of the most important events in modern history.
A Chance to Make a Difference
Not only is the 2024 Masterpiece Poppy Coin a beautifully crafted work of art, but it also offers an opportunity to give back. With every coin purchased, 10% of the sale will be donated to The Royal British Legion. This ensures that the legacy of those who served lives on, helping veterans and their families in need of support. As of this year, Westminster Collectors have helped raised over £1.35 million for the Royal British Legion, and your purchase will help continue this vital work.
Click here to secure your Masterpiece Poppy Coin now >>
By securing this 2024 Masterpiece Poppy Coin, you not only hold a symbol of remembrance and tribute, but you also contribute to the Royal British Legion’s vital work in supporting today’s Armed Forces community.
We have plenty more fantastic coins and commemoratives issued in support of the Royal British Legion just like today’s new release so…
Click to view the range of 2024 Remembrance Poppy Coins in support of the Royal British Legion >>
10% from the sale of these products 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).