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Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Part 2
The Land of Hope and Glory Collection tells the story of Britain through the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 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. This week, let’s journey back to 1960s football, fashion and more.
Did you know that instant potato, the mash you buy pre-made at the supermarket, wasn’t a shop bought item until 1968? Angel Delight made its debut in 1967 and spreadable margarine wasn’t a thing before 1969!
Many do reminisce on the 60s as the time to be alive.
Swinging Sixties Fashion
In the early 60s, the emergence of supermodels like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton redefined beauty and became true fashion icons. The latest clothing styles could be found in London Boutique shops. And whilst children began to practice with makeup on their dolls, teenagers discovered false eyelashes.
Inspiration came from the likes of the mods on scooters, skinheads, and hippies with their long flowing hairstyles.
Mary Quant, the queen of the miniskirt, had a boutique on Carnaby Street in London called Bazaar. She also released her own line of cosmetics in 1966. Many began to embrace their natural curves — new trends such as wearing trouser suits and miniskirts emerged.
England wins the FIFA World Cup
The TV audience in 1966 had to follow along the England match against Germany in black and white. However, for the first time they could see slow motion replays from the live match.
Multiple towns in England hosted games for the tournament, but the final was played at Wembley Stadium on the 30th July 1966.
Although the match didn’t get off to a good start and there were a few hiccups throughout, the team managed to bring home the first World Cup title for England.
Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Prince Philip were amongst the 93,000 spectators. The Queen then presented the trophy for the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
The shot by Geoff Hurst, which hit the crossbar and landed down near the goal line, was decided by the referee as a goal — which was highly contested at the time.
Years later, technology had advanced, and the ball was never over the line.
Beatlemania
The Beatles.
Need we say more?
Comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, The Beatles were managed by Brian Epstein and signed by EMI on the Parlophone Label.
Did you know that they were originally turned down by Decca, the British record label?
Changing the pop music scene forever, Please Please Me was released January 12th 1963, and was an instant favourite among the public. They remained number 1 on the charts for 6 months with their first album, which was recorded in an entire 13-hour session.
First Flight of the Concorde
Concorde was the first successful civilian aeroplane to travel faster than the speed of sound.
Built jointly between Great Britain and France, it reduced the flight time between London and New York to roughly three hours.
Eventually flown worldwide, she first took to the skies on March 2nd 1969.
Sadly, in the end it was found the aeroplane had several problems such as noise and high expenses. However, it did unify the work of different countries, ensuring that Europe paved the way for aerospace development.
The Great Train Robbery
15 men and £2,600,000. What a heist that is.
Aided by two accomplices, these fifteen men managed to stop the Glasgow–London Royal Mail Train, steal over two and a half million pounds from the front two carriages, and transport the lot with their Land Rovers to a nearby hideaway, all without the staff in the remaining ten carriages even knowing a thing.
August 8th, 1963. The day they got lucky.
It was a bank holiday so the amount they stole was much larger than they had anticipated getting.
At their hideaway they noticed low flying RAF aircraft which they assumed were on the look-out for them. They in fact weren’t. But this spooked the robbers so much that they left and hired six thieves to burn the place down.
The poor job the thieves did left fingerprint marks on a Monopoly board and a ketchup bottle.
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 first Medal, featuring the Queen’s Coronation for FREE >>
If you haven’t read the first blog in the series, click here >>
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
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
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
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 >>
JUST IN: Exciting new coin releases for 2022 confirmed
We’ve just had word of some exciting new coin releases for 2022!
The Royal Proclamation from 15th December 2021 has confirmed a number of new coins for 2022.
Here’s what we know so far, and how you can sign up to be the first to add them to your collection!
New 50p to mark 100 years of the BBC
From covering breaking news stories, Children in Need and sporting events, to Strictly Come Dancing, period dramas, and even the Queen’s Christmas Speech, the BBC is a favorite across the nation.
As the BBC marks 100 years next year, The Royal Mint will be releasing a special 50p coin to mark this milestone moment!
50th Anniversary of Pride
To mark the 50th anniversary since the first Pride event in 1972, a 50p will be released in commemoration. Excitingly, elements of the pride flag will feature on the reverse alongside the inscription “PRIDE PROTEST VISIBILITY UNITY EQUALITY”.
Commemorating the life on Alan Turing
Famous for cracking the German WWII Enigma machine, and laying the foundations for the early computers, Alan Turing will be featuring on a UK 50p next year. Commemorating the achievements throughout his life, the reverse will feature a depiction of Turing against a background of letters.
Whilst the design is currently TOP SECRET, we’ll bring you more information as soon as we have it.
Time to revisit the Hundred Acre Wood!
It has also been announced that the Royal Mint will be returning to the Hundred Acre Wood in 2022 with the final part in the Winnie the Pooh coin series.
Three new 50p coins will be released and this time Kanga and Roo, and Eyeore will be joining Winnie the Pooh and friends on our UK coins.
The designs for all three coins are currently under embargo, but given the popularity of the previous 6 coins, these next three coins are sure to be a hit with collectors!
Duke of Cambridge £5 Coin
A new Royal £5 will be issued commemorating the Duke of Cambridge. The reverse will feature a portrait of the Duke of Cambridge, accompanied by his cypher and his age – presumably in celebration of his 40th Birthday next year
Peter Rabbit £5
A new Peter Rabbit £5 will be released, with a depiction of the lovable Rabbit to mark 120 years since the release of the Children’s tale.
£2 Coin series
It’s also been confirmed that a series of £2 coins will be reissued next year, in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the £2 coins. It’s set to see the likes of Charles Darwin, the Centenary of WWI £2 series, Mary Shelley, and the 75th Anniversary of D-Day return to our coins next year.
And, to make sure you don’t miss out on adding these coins to your collection as soon as they are released, you can sign up to the UK Official BU Pack Subscription Service below.
The UK Official BU Pack Subscription Service
Don’t miss your chance to get ahead of the crowd on launch day and be one of the very first collectors to be sent the latest UK New Issue coins, guaranteed at The Royal Mint issue price on launch day!
Find out more and sign up by clicking here: https://www.westminstercollection.com/lp2021/official-uk-coin-pack-subscription.aspx