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Celebrating the Women Who Shaped History: The Suffragettes
The 19th century saw many political changes, but there was always one constant: women were not allowed to vote in national elections.
It took decades and many different campaign groups to raise awareness of the inequality. In fact, it wasn’t until 1918 that women over thirty were granted the right to vote.
But now, over 100 years later, we can reflect on the brave work of the Suffragettes who have shaped the modern world into what is today.
Read on to learn about the importance of the Suffragettes movement and how you can preserve their story for generations to come with this Historic Collection…
Who were the Suffragettes and What Did They Do?
Following the 1867 vote, the London Society for Women’s Suffrage was formed to peacefully protest for the right for women’s votes. In 1897, their group expanded to form the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). This campaign group was led by Millicent Fawcett, the sister of Elizabeth Garrett-Anderson, the first female doctor in the UK.
After little success from both groups, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvie, formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. They became known as the Suffragettes, as they used harsher, more direct tactics to raise awareness.
The movement saw great success, granting women over thirty the right to vote as part of the Representation of the People Act in 1918.
The SELL-OUT Royal Mint Coins
In 2003, The Royal Mint issued a Silver Proof 50p coin to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Women’s Social and Political Union.
Even with an edition limit of 15,000, they all swiftly sold-out at The Mint.
Following this success, The Royal Mint issued a new UK 50p in 2018, this time marking 100 years since the passing of the Representation of the People Act, and it was just as popular.
In fact, all of the 2018 Representation of the People Act 50p coin specifications are no longer available at The Mint.
But today, you can secure BOTH coins in a complete Suffragettes collection alongside an extra special historic coin…
The Historic 1918 Half Crown
Also included in this Suffragettes Historic Collection is a genuine UK 1918 Half Crown. Struck from Sterling Silver, this coin was issued in the year that the Representation of the People Act was passed.
But, considering this coin was also struck in the final year of World War One, they are extremely scarce and rarely appear on the secondary market.
Suffragettes Memorabilia
But this collection doesn’t stop there, as this historic set also houses replicas of Suffragettes memorabilia, truly transporting you back to the time when women made history.
Whether it’s a 1915 Votes for Women newspaper, Suffragettes Membership card, jail letter, a relic of Emily Davidson’s tragic demise at Epsom, or even the flyer of the Buckingham Palace protest – these replicas capture the most poignant moments of the Suffragettes movement.
Secure yours Suffragettes Collection NOW!
Considering these coins are either no longer available to buy from the Mint or extremely hard to source on the secondary market, this collection was nearly impossible to create.
And with just 41 remaining, this is one you don’t want to miss out on.
How you can secure the SOLD-OUT Silver Proof coin from The Royal Canadian Mint
In 2022, The Royal Canadian Mint issued a stunning Silver Proof coin accentuated with Gold plate.
It was issued as a tribute to the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, featuring a sentimental one-off obverse design.
There were 15,000 issued worldwide, but they sold-out almost immediately.
That’s because the reverse design beautifully represents the Imperial State Crown – the crown worn by the monarch as they leave Westminster Abbey after the Coronation.
And today could be your last chance to secure one…
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown is the crown worn by the Monarch at Westminster Abbey as they leave the Coronation ceremony. It also garces the Head of State on other occasions such as the Opening of Parliament.
The Imperial State Crown was created for the Coronation of King George VI in 1937, replacing Queen Victoria’s 1838 crown. The Imperial State Crown contains some of the most iconic jewels, such as the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Stuart Sapphire.
Made of solid Gold, it is enhanced with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies! In fact, the centrepiece of the crown – the Edward’s Sapphire – is said to have been worn by St Edward the Confessor which was discovered in his tomb in 1163.
SOLD-OUT Imperial State Crown Silver Proof Coin
Released as part of The Royal Canadian Mint’s Memorial coin range for Elizabeth II, this stunning Silver coin represents the Imperial State Crown.
Struck from 99.99% Fine Silver to a pristine Proof finish, your coin has been impressively accentuated with the most prestigious Gold plate.
And within days of release, this coin sold-out an entire edition limit 15,000 at The Royal Canadian Mint.
What’s more, this coin features the special tribute obverse from the Royal Canadian Mint’s Memorial coin range. Combining all four Canadian effigies of Elizabeth II, it is marked by a small Tudor rose which honours Elizabeth II’s time on coinage since her coronation in 1953.
This tribute obverse is unique to this range of coins, and integrates the designs of previous obverse designers: Susanna Blunt, Dora de Pédery-Hunt, Arnold Machin, and Mary Gillick.
But, with this coin already SOLD-OUT and only a tiny number available for Westminster Collectors, this could be your last chance…
Click here to secure the Canada 2022 Imperial State Crown Silver Proof coin >>
Westminster Collection raises £1.25m for the Royal British Legion
Thank you for helping raise £1.25m for the Royal British Legion.
For nearly 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working in partnership with the Royal British Legion.
Each year we’ve created Remembrance and Poppy-themed coins and commemoratives to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
The 2022 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin 
The RBL Centenary Silver 50p Set 
The RBL Poppy Shaped Commemorative 
The RBL Centenary Gold £5 Coin 
The 2021 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2019 Gold Proof Poppy Coin 
The 2019 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The High Relief Poppy Silver Coin 
The 2018 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2017 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin
Through the sales of these coins and commemoratives, collectors have helped raise a remarkable £1.25 MILLION for the Royal British Legion!
We are extremely proud of this achievement, and hugely thankful to our collectors raised such an incredible amount.
In addition to raising funds for RBL over the years, we’ve also had the opportunity to find out more about their incredible work for the Armed Forces Community.
And earlier this month, when we presented RBL with a cheque for £1.25 million, we had the pleasure of meeting Robert Benham, Regional Lead – Admiral Nursing – Hampshire.
Delivered in partnership with Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses give one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and their carers. The effects of dementia can be devastating for the whole family, but Admiral Nurses help to ease the burden and reassure families that they are not alone.
Where do your donations go?
£1.25 million raised by The Westminster Collection for the Royal British Legion could enable it’s dedicated frontline advisors to help over 7,590 people in the Armed Forces community and their families get access to the help that they need.
Every day, RBL Case Officers provide practical and emotional one-to-one support, helping Serving and ex-Serving personnel, and their families, to get the help they deserve. The needs of the Armed Forces community are becoming more complex and can include a wide range of issues such as employment, finances, or housing; RBL Case Officers are ready to help and advise whatever the issue.
The funds raised by The Westminster Collection can help people like Lawrence.
Following seven years in the Army, Lawrence was medically discharged after injuring his spine whilst weightlifting.
After an exemplary military career Lawrence found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life.
To help Lawrence get the support he needed his fiancée Danielle advised him to get in touch with the Royal British Legion.
He was contacted by one of the RBL’s local Case Officers, Paul James, who was able to get Lawrence the mental health support he needed.
In December 2020, when Lawrence was unable to work due to Covid-19, his debt suddenly spiralled by almost 400%. But the RBL’s Benefits, Debt and Money Advice team (BDMA) were able to help.
Lawrence said: “They [the RBL] have helped me sort out both my mental health and my financial health. I’m debt-free and looking forward to starting a new career, I cannot thank them enough.”
To find out more about the Royal British Legion, click here.
What’s next for our partnership?
We’re excited to see our longstanding partnership with the Royal British Legion continue later this year when we’ll be launching the latest additions to our Official RBL Poppy coins and commemoratives range.
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