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BRAND NEW: UK D-Day 50p REVEALED
2024 marks 80 years since brave allied forced landed on Normandy Beaches in one of the largest military operations in history.
D-Day turned the tide in the second world war, and today, its monumental 80th anniversary is being commemorated on a brand-new UK 50p coin.
Check out the coin below and use our interactive map to discover the intricate design…
Carefully curated by sculptor and artist, David Lawrence, in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, the coin’s reverse design is the perfect tribute to time that will soon move beyond living memory.
In fact, it is likely one of the last anniversaries where veterans and their families can still honour an incredible moment in British history.
The landings themselves took place at five assault beaches along a 50 mile stretch of the Normandy Coast. They were given the codenames of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – all of which are inscribed on the bottom of the design.
The coin is available in a range of specifications, including superior Brilliant Uncirculated and limited-edition Silver Proof and Piedfort.
However, some of the most special issues are without a doubt the postmarked coins.
Carefully paired alongside a 1st Class Royal Mail stamp, each cover and DateStamp™ will be postmarked on the 80th Anniversary date, 6th June 2024, and are available for pre-order today.
The coins which built Ancient Rome: yours for JUST £40 (+p&p)
Today you have the chance to secure an original coin from Ancient Rome for just £40 (+p&p).
Sought-after by collectors across the globe, these storied coins belong in everyone’s collection.
Read on to find out more about the myth which built Ancient Rome, the fateful tales of Roman Kings, and how you can secure a coin which could have passed through the hands of Emperors.
The Myth of Romulus and Remus
During a time shrouded in legend and myth, there lived two brothers named Romulus and Remus. Their story is at the heart of the founding of one of the greatest civilisations in history: Ancient Rome.
Romulus and Remus were born to a princess named Rhea Silvia and the god of war, Mars. Their grandfather feared their potential power and ordered them to be abandoned in the wilderness. But fate had other plans for the twins; they were discovered by a she-wolf, who raised them as her own.
As Romulus and Remus grew older, they learned of their royal lineage and the circumstances of their birth. Filled with a desire to reclaim their rightful place, they set out to establish their own city.
Legend has it that the brothers disagreed on where to build their city. Romulus favoured the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. To settle the dispute, they consulted the gods through a divine sign – birds flying overhead. The disagreement continued, so the brothers began to build separate cities.
But one fateful day, Remus decided to visit his brother Romulus, mocking the modest walls of Romulus’s budding city. In retaliation, Romulus killed his brother to defend his city’s honour. Undeterred by the tragic incident, Romulus continued with the construction of his city, eventually proclaiming himself as its rightful king in the year 753 BC.
Kings of Rome
As Rome grew, it became a thriving civilization, eventually evolving into a powerful empire that would shape the course of history for centuries to come.
All rulers after Romulus were elected by the senate, and there are seven legendary kings of Rome: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Martius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (Tarquin the Elder), Servius Tullius and Tarquinius Superbus, or Tarquin the Proud (534-510 B.C.).
However, there are other notable Kings such as Julianus who was killed when the Danube legions invaded Italy, and proclaimed their principal commander, Lucius Septimius Severus, emperor.
Genuine Coins from Ancient Rome for JUST £40 (+p&p)
The Westminster Collection are now offering a limited number of collectors the chance to secure a genuine coin from Ancient Rome in an exclusive lucky dip.
This guarantees you will receive a genuine Ancient Roman coin issued during the reign of a Roman king housed in a tamperproof capsule, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
And considering these sought-after ancient coins are being offered at such a competitive price, demand is expected to be high.
Click here to secure your original Ancient Roman coin before it’s too late >>
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 >>