British History
The Operation Bernhard Banknote – is this the most unique piece of WWII history?
Operation Bernhard was the largest counterfeiting operation in history. It was a secret Nazi plot to destabilise the British economy, in which the Germans planned to flood Europe with counterfeit notes to cause artificial inflation of the British pound.
Unsurprisingly Operation Bernhard, as it was known, is remembered as one of wartime’s most over-the-top secret plots.
Please read on to learn more about this remarkable story, and how you can be one of the few collectors to secure this surviving piece of wartime history.
The Operation
In 1942, production of counterfeit British ‘White Fivers’ began behind the gates of Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Prisoners worked to perfect the process, and by 1945 it is estimated that 70,000,000 notes were printed by inmates.
But as WWII drew closer to its end and the Nazis reached the closing months of the operation, they became concerned that their fakes notes would be exposed during trials for the war crime of counterfeiting.
In an attempt to hide the evidence, the completed notes and printing equipment were sent to Austria where they were sunk into the deepest part of Lake Toplitz.
The Recovery
In 1959, the German newsmagazine “Der Stern” financed a recovery operation to retrieve the surviving banknotes. But due to the depth of the lake, only marginal quantities were recovered.
Now, 75 years after the operation began – the notes are again in the light of day.
Your chance to secure one for a deposit of £34.50 (+p&p)
There are few WWII stories as remarkable as the one of Operation Berhnard.
And in this once-in-a-lifetime Westminster first, we are offering just 50 collectors the chance to own a genuine ‘Paper Money Guarantee’ (PMG) certified ‘Operation Bernhard’ banknote recovered from the depths of Lake Toplitz.
The last time we had 50 available, they sold-out in hours.
Don’t miss out! Click here to secure your Operation Bernhard banknote >>
Celebrating the inaugural year of King Charles III
6th May 2023 saw the country united in joy and renewed hope for the future of British monarchy as we witnessed the first Coronation in 70 years. Since then, King Charles III has set the tone for his reign with a wonderful mix of tradition, humour, and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, history is being written before our eyes, as a man steps into the shoes he was born to fill.
And to commemorate this period of great change, a series of 50p coins have been issued under authorisation from Buckingham Palace and King Charles III himself.
Here’s how you can own one, for yourself or for generations to come…
Collector’s Choice: Limited Edition Dual-Plated 50p Collection
This stunning collection features 10 brand new 50p coins charting the most important firsts in the reign of King Charles III and the world-famous Royal Mews.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and features dual-plating of silver and 24 carat gold – a SELL-OUT specification reserved for royal 50p releases in recent years. Just 29,995 dual-plated 50p collections have been authorised for release.
Re-capture the joy of collecting as you receive a new dual-plated 50p each month for just £24.99 (+p&p). And when you trial the collection today you’ll SAVE £20.00 on the very first coin – yours for just £4.99 (+p&p).
We’re confident you’ll love watching your collection grow, but if not, you’re covered by your 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and there’s no obligation to continue collecting. So what have you got to lose?
Click here to Own the FIRST Dual-Plated 50p for just £4.99(+p&p)
Classic BU Pack Presentation
From Trooping the Colour to the State Opening of Parliament, this set features five 50p coins commemorating the most significant, traditional events in King Charles III’s inaugural year.
Each coin is struck to a BU finish and housed in a classic collector pack.
Click here to get yours for just £37.50 (+p&p)
Time-Sealed Silver DateStamp™ Pair – 995 worldwide
This special DateStamp™ Pair is the perfect time-sealed commemorative celebrating the first year of the reign of King Charles III.
Featuring the Official British Isles Coronation 50p and the Official British Isles Inaugural Year 50p, each coin is struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish.
Importantly, each 50p is paired with a 1st class stamp and has been officially postmarked by Royal Mail on the date of the Coronation and the 1 year anniversary – 6th May 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Due to the one-day-only nature of both postmarks, no more of these historic DateStamp™ Pairs can ever be issued. And with just 995 worldwide, we’re expecting a sell-out before we reach the anniversary of the Coronation.
Secure one today with an initial interest-free instalment of just £15.50 (+p&p)
Premium Pick: Silver Proof 50p Set – pay just £37.50 today
These stunning Silver Proof 50p coins with intricate 24 carat gold-plating are the premium pick and a timeless way to commemorate this period of our history. However, they won’t be around for long…
1. A SELL OUT Specification – From the UK NHS 50p to the recent 50p paying tribute to the work of the RNLI, Silver Proof 50p coins are always in high demand and the sets have a strong sell out history.
2. Struck to PERFECTION – Each coin has been struck from Sterling Silver to a pristine Proof finish with the addition of intricate 24 carat gold-plating to bring the designs to life.
3. Issued with a TINY EDITION LIMIT – just 750 sets have been authorised for worldwide release. That almost certainly won’t meet demand.
What’s more, this prestigious set can be yours with 10 interest-free instalments of just £37.50(+p&p).
Click here to secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year Silver Proof Set
We can’t overestimate the historic significance of a change in the tide of British monarchy. We are living through a period that will be remembered in history books and immortalised on official coinage.
Be part of the story and secure your King Charles III Inaugural Year commemorative coin today.
The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time
In the bustling heart of London, the National Gallery began its life in 1824, initially occupying the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein at No.100 Pall Mall. The modest beginning—with just 38 paintings—was the spark for what would grow into one of the world’s most revered art institutions. In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. His 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Evolution of a Landmark
The National Gallery’s early days at No.100 Pall Mall weren’t exactly glamorous. It was small, stuffy, and constantly packed, making it a bit of an embarrassment compared to the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris. However, Agar Ellis, a trustee of the gallery, saw its location on Pall Mall as crucial, right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.
In 1832, construction started on a new building by William Wilkins, replacing the old Royal Mews in Charing Cross. Positioned between the affluent West End and less privileged areas to the east, its location was strategic. The idea was to make the collection accessible to people from all walks of life, prioritising social inclusion over concerns like city pollution or architectural flaws.
Even as the possibility of moving to South Kensington arose in the 1850s, the emphasis remained on making art available to everyone. As stated by the Parliamentary Commission of 1857, the purpose of the collection wasn’t just to display pictures, but to enrich the lives of the people, regardless of their social standing.
Today, the National Gallery is a vibrant hub for art lovers of all backgrounds. It’s diverse collection, ranging from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems, offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the gallery provides a welcoming environment where everyone can engage with art.
Celebrating 200 Years of Art
In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is celebrated with a special coin designed by Edwina Ellis, known for her detailed engravings. The coin beautifully features the gallery at its center, surrounded by the inscription of the anniversary. This keepsake is not just a piece of metal but a symbol of the gallery’s enduring legacy, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated editions.
The edge of the coin bears the inscription ‘MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST’, meaning “The glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants.” This phrase, inscribed in the gallery’s very architecture, encapsulates the essence of the National Gallery: a portal to the past and a beacon for the future.
Explore the whole National Gallery £2 range now by clicking here >>