Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 1

LOHAG Blog Hero Image - Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 1

The Land of Hope and Glory Collection tells the story of Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Over 85% of the population have only ever known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch of the United Kingdom. And the Queen is so synonymous with Great Britain that it’s easy to forget that she wasn’t supposed to become queen at all…

The daughter of King George V’s second son, Princess Elizabeth of York, had little expectation of succeeding the throne until her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936.

As Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee fast approaches, this blog series will revisit the historic moments during Her Majesty’s record-breaking reign that have helped define Great Britain. Let me take you back to where it all began…

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952 upon the passing of her father, King George VI, at the age of 25. And on the 2nd June 1953, over 27 million people watched the official coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, which, for the first (and so far only) time, was fully televised.

This ground-breaking moment marked the official start of an even more ground-breaking reign…

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1 - Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 1
Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation at Westminster Abbey, seen with the coronation bouquet which included lilies-of-the-valley from England, stephanotis from Scotland, orchids from Wales and carnations from Northern Ireland.

The Mini is Unveiled

One of the world’s most recognisable cars, the first Mini was unveiled on the 26th August 1959. The British Motor Corporation developed the Mini out of Great Britain’s need for a more fuel-efficient car.

Originally marketed as both the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor, the car became an instant success and the design’s front-wheel drive and transverse engine layout influenced a generation of car makers.

Perhaps you owned or own one of these infamous cars? Let us know in the comments!

The Unravelling of DNA

The 1950s saw some major developments in the unravelling of DNA by British scientists. Rosalind Franklin took “Photo 51”, a highly detailed image of the hydrated ‘B’ form of DNA on 6th May 1952.

This photograph would help James Watson and Francis Crick’s work, and on 28th February 1953, the pair proposed a double helix model for the structure of DNA.

The Unravelling of DNA - Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 1
The 1950s saw some major developments in the unravelling of DNA by British scientists, Rosalind Franklin, James Watson and Francis Crick.

Donald Campbell Breaks the Water Speed Record

The legendary Donald Campbell began his speed record attempts in the summer of 1949 using his father’s old boat, the Bluebird K4.

His father, Malcolm Campbell, had previously held the Water Speed Record and after Donald’s first attempts were unsuccessful, the Bluebird K4 was modified to make it a “prop-rider”.

On the 23rd July 1955, he broke the Water Speed Record with a speed of 202.32 mph! And as if that wasn’t enough, Donald Campbell would go on the break the Water Speed Record on six different occasions before going for “the double” and breaking the Land Speed Record in 1964!

Mount Everest is Conquered

On 29th May 1953, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which standing at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth.

News of the conquest of Mount Everest did not reach the outside world until 2nd June 1953, the eve of the Queen’s coronation and Britons hailed it as a good omen for the future of the country.

Mount Everest is Conquered - Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 1
Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, news of the conquest reached the outside world just one day before Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

If you’re interested…

The Land of Hope and Glory Collection celebrates Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. And today, you can start the Collection of a Lifetime. Click here to secure the Coronation Medal for FREE >>

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Everything you need to know about the 2022 Annual Coins…

**INCLUDES TWO PLATINUM JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVES**

Each year, The Royal Mint marks important British anniversaries, events or accomplishments on our coins and today I’m delighted to reveal the UK’s new coin designs for 2022.

This year’s collection includes TWO special tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she marks her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 – including the UK’s FIRST EVER Royal 50p.

Watch our latest video below to find out everything you need to know…

There are 5 new commemorative coins, paired alongside the eight definitive coins from the 1p to the £2, all newly dated for 2022. 

The commemorative coins are:

  • Platinum Jubilee 50p – the UK’s first ever Royal 50p!
  • Commonwealth Games 50p – issued to commemorate the 22nd Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year
  • Alexander Graham Bell £2 – issued to mark 100 years since the passing of Scottish-born inventor, scientist, and engineer who invented the first telephone
  • Dame Vera Lynn £2 – issued to commemorate the iconic wartime singer, famed for boosting morale and supporting British troops during the Second World War
  • Platinum Jubilee £5 – issued to commemorate 70 years of Her Majesty the Queen’s reign

What’s more, you have the opportunity today to secure them in a variety of different presentations or specifications – there’s sure to be something for everyone…


UK 2022 Annual Coin Set BU Pack

2022 Annual Commemorative BU Coin Set pack with coins - Everything you need to know about the 2022 Annual Coins...

To give as many collectors as possible the chance to own these highly sought-after coins, The Royal Mint has issued them in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, which is coveted by collectors as it means each coin is free from any marks you would find on circulated coins.

In this BU Pack you’ll find the five brand new commemorative coins alongside the eight definitive coins from the 1p to the £2, all newly dated for 2022.

Each one is protectively encapsulated in its attractive original packaging from The Royal Mint to preserve its quality for generations to come.

 What’s more, you can secure this BU Pack for The Royal Mint’s official issue price of just £60 (+p&p). Click here to find out more >>

This set of coins is also available as a Change Checker CERTIFIED BU Commemorative Coin Set for £40 (+p&p). Click here to find out more >>


UK 2022 Annual Collector Proof Coin Set

2022 Base Proof Coin Set - Everything you need to know about the 2022 Annual Coins...

Whilst being struck from base metal, the coins in this set have been struck to a stunning superior Proof finish.

Including all 5 commemorative coins alongside the new definitive coins for 2022, these sets are always extremely sought after.

You can order the UK 2022 Annual Collector Proof Coin Set here with a down payment of just £15.50 (+p&p) followed by 9 further interest-free instalments – that’s the Royal Mint issue price. Click here to find out more >>


UK 2022 DateStamp™ Specimen Set

DN DateStamp™ UK 2022 Commemorative Set BU coin set product images 1 - Everything you need to know about the 2022 Annual Coins...

The most limited way to own the five new 2022 commemorative coins is by securing the UK 2022 DateStamp™ Specimen Set. In fact, JUST 995 collectors worldwide can own this unique set.

What truly sets the 2022 Specimen Year Set apart from all other 2022 Annual Sets is the fact that it is forever set in time by the official Royal Mail postmark that marks the coins’ first day of release – 4th January 2022.

Each coin is struck to the highly desirable Brilliant Uncirculated quality, and come individually presented in tamper-proof capsules. What’s more, each set has a unique serial number, confirming its place in the tiny edition limit, and you can even register your set online to guarantee its provenance!

This DateStamp set has a track record of completely selling out within a matter of days, so if you want to secure a set for yourself you’ll need to be quick. You can reserve yours with a deposit of just £22. Click here to find out more >>

Is this the most famous coin in the world?

Did you know that the Gold Sovereign has an incredibly rich history stretching back over 530 years!

Known as the flagship coin of Great Britain, it’s easily one of the most famous coins in the world.

And in my latest video I tell you everything you need to know spanning from 1489 to the modern day.


If you’re interested…

Sovereign Picture - Is this the most famous coin in the world?