British History
The Rare Piece of WWII History Few People Know About…
As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024, enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly seeking out military commemoratives from the era.
Amidst the rush, there exists a rare gem that only a select few are aware of, let alone possess.
It is the Hawaii Overprint Emergency Banknote issued between 1942-1944, and The Westminster Collection have a handful available today – flown to the UK straight from Hawaii.
Read on to learn the fascinating story, what makes them so scarce, and how you can secure one.
USA – World War Two
During the tumultuous years of World War II, the United States government found itself in a precarious position following the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.
With deep concerns looming over the possibility of a full-scale invasion of Hawaii by Japan, urgent measures were needed to safeguard the American economy from potential exploitation.
To counter this threat, the US government took swift action, issuing emergency banknotes specifically for use in Hawaii. These $1 Silver certificates bore distinct markings, featuring a brown seal and prominent “HAWAII” overprints on both the front and back.
This unique design served a crucial purpose: in the event the notes were seized by enemy forces, they could be repudiated, rendering them worthless thus spoiling attempts at economic sabotage.
A Rare Piece of Military History
Issued only for two years between 1942 and 1944, these emergency banknotes are exceptionally rare, with very few surviving examples still in existence today.
Their scarcity means they rarely make appearances on the secondary market, making them highly sought-after among collectors and historians alike.
Less than 25 Available
Here at The Westminster Collection, we have managed to secure a limited number of these extraordinary artefacts.
In fact, there are less than 25 available for collectors in the UK, travelling all the way over from the States.
This represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of history that encapsulates the resilience and ingenuity of a nation during one of its darkest hours.
How to Secure Yours…
These WWII emergency banknotes offer a tangible connection to the past, serving as a poignant reminder of the unwavering spirit that prevailed during a time of global upheaval.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this remarkable history.
Blazing Trails: NEW 50p Coins released to honour the history of Britain’s Fire Service
200 years ago, Britain’s First Municipal Fire Service was established following the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824. And to share the story of two centuries of bravery and innovation in firefighting, FIVE BRAND NEW 50p coins have been authorised for release by His Majesty the King.
The History of the Fire Service 50p Coin Set
Watch below to find out more about the 50ps that are sure to blaze their own trail…
View the coins below and all the information you’ll need to order your favourites.
ONLY 750 AUTHORISED: The History of the Fire Service BU Colour 50p Set
The Brilliant Uncirculated Colour specification is fast becoming a collector favourite – and today you can become one of JUST 750 collectors in the world to own the Fire Engine 50ps struck to this popular specification.
Click here to own the BU Colour 50p Set >>
JUST £37.50: Own ALL FIVE Fire Engine 50ps Now
Or you can opt to secure ALL FIVE BRAND NEW 50p coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for JUST £37.50. But considering the popularity of recent UK NHS 50p and RNLI 50p releases – which also honour our nation’s unsung heroes – these will be in high demand.
Click here to secure the BU 50p Set for JUST £37.50 (+p&p) >>
The Most Detailed Specification – The Fire Engines Silver Proof 50p Set
Struck from Sterling Silver and hand-polished to a Proof finish with a painstaking colour application, this detailed specification brings each design to life. A strict worldwide edition limit of ONLY 500 has been set, so demand will outweigh availability.
Click here to reserve your Silver Proof 50p Set while stocks last >>
A closer look: the best way to celebrate YOUR Patron Saint this year…
The stories of our Patron Saints are rooted in history, legend, and faith; and yet the annual feast days have evolved to become something of a national celebration year after year.
And last week’s new British Isles 50p release reminded us just how important these symbols of our national identity still are.
Shop the Patron Saints 50p range
Here’s my rundown of the different ways you can still own the sought-after Patron Saints 50p coins:
The Complete Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
Featuring all five new 50p coins – St George of England, St Patrick of Ireland, St David of Wales, St Andrew of Scotland and St Helier of issuing country, Jersey – this beautiful set is the collector favourite.
Each coin is struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated finish and features intricate, selective colour application to bring the design to life with nods to each nation’s heritage.
The presentation is limited to just 995 worldwide – that’s more than twice as limited as the standard Brilliant Uncirculated presentation which sold out in a matter of days.
Click here to own the Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
The Patron Saints of Great Britain Silver Proof 50p Set
For those looking for something even more exclusive, a set of 4 Silver Proof 50p coins has been issued with a strict worldwide edition limit of just 495.
In true minting mastery, St George, St Patrick, St David and St Andrew have been selectively plated in 24 carat gold, making this a truly stunning way to own these new coins.
Click here to secure your Silver Proof 50p Set
Own a time-sealed 50p celebrating YOUR Patron Saint
And if you want to own a limited edition, time-sealed 50p honouring your Patron Saint exclusively, there are two stunning presentations with official on-the-day postmarks by Royal Mail.
That’s right, the St George, St Patrick and St David Brilliant Uncirculated 50p coins have been paired with a 1st Class Country Definitive Stamp and postmarked with that Saint’s Feast Day in a beautiful cover presentation – each limited to just 500.
And again, for those looking for a more premium time-sealed commemorative – the St George and St Patrick Silver Proof 50p coins have been issued in a DateStamp™ capsule which you can pre-order today.
The World’s First St. George 50p – struck from 5 ounces of pure silver
Now let me finish with the masterpiece.
The Westminster Collection are taking commissions for a special Five Ounce Silver Proof 50p featuring St George of England.
As the face of the UK Sovereign for over 200 years, it’s astonishing that a George and the Dragon 50p didn’t exist before today.
And that’s why the response to the whole range has been remarkable.
Impressively, the 5oz Silver Proof 50p is DOUBLE the diameter of a regular 50p coin and almost 20 times heavier – a true collection centrepiece.
But due to the difficulty in achieving a perfect strike of a coin like this, an edition limit of just 250 has been agreed with the mint. And with commissions already coming in, you won’t have long to secure yours.
Find out more about the St George Silver Proof 5oz 50p
So, whether you’re proud to be English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh, this range celebrates the strength and legacy of each nation individually, and the unique unity of the British Isles as a whole.
Shop the entire Patron Saints range
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day later in the year? Sign up to be kept up to date with St Andrew’s Day commemoratives.