The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time

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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.

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Left: 100 Pall Mall, the home of the National Gallery from 1824 to 1834 Right: The paintings displayed in Angerstein’s house (Image credit – https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/history/about-the-building)

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.

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Left: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons TR: Rudolf Schuba, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons BR: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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 >>

Celebrating National Winston Churchill Day

On April 9th, we mark National Winston Churchill Day, a moment to reflect on and celebrate one of the most iconic figures in British history.

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Click here to see our range of collectables celebrating Sir Winston Churchill

Who Was Sir Winston Churchill?

Sir Winston Churchill was a British statesman and leader known for his role as Prime Minister during WWII, celebrated for his leadership, speeches, and contributions to British and global history.

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LEFT: Churchill addressing merchant ships’ crews and dockers at Liverpool, April 1941 MIDDLE: Churchill during the 1945 General Election RIGHT: Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall on the day he broadcast to the nation that the war with Germany had been won.

Celebrate, Commemorate and Collect

To commemorate Sir Winston Churchill and his profound influence, we have an array of collectables available for all enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of collecting, National Winston Churchill Day presents a perfect occasion to secure these commemorative pieces and celebrate arguably Britain’s greatest wartime leader.

JUST £15: Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue

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The Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue which comes in a presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity

The design of this double thickness Piedfort issue features a specially commissioned depiction of Sir Winston Churchill along with a soaring Spitfire overhead by renowned artist, David Young.

Being double thickness, this coin weighs 50 grams– almost twice as much as the standard specification, and it has also been expertly plated in 24 Carat Gold and struck to a pristine Proof finish.

>>Get your Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue now by clicking here<<

The Spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo

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Each Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo arrives displayed in a Luxury Presentation Case along with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

This the spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin

Each piece has been painstakingly struck from ONE KILO of PURE SILVER to an Antique finish and a cutting edge layered technique has been applied that not only creates a three-dimensional effect but elevates each coin to a league of its own…

>>Click here to secure your Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo<<

The 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame

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Just 200 of these limited-edition collector frames are available worldwide.

The 1965 Winston Churchill Crown became immensely popular and continues to be a sought-after addition to any coin collection.

And today, you can secure the stunning silver-plated edition in the popular numismatic frame, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s birth year.

>>Click here to secure your 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame<<

UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign

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Issued during the year of Winston Churchill’s passing – 1965 – a historically significant Sovereign 

Issued during the year of Winston Churchill’s passing – 1965 – a historically significant Sovereign 

The 1965 Sovereign is one of the most collectable classic Sovereigns due to its 22 Carat precious metal quality and significant date.

>>Click here to get your UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign<<

‘Portraits of a Leader’ Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover

*** LAST 53 REMAINING ***

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Each cover is individually numbered in silver ink and comes housed in a Luxury Presentation Folder with a Certificate of Authenticity

Featuring an official British Isles Miniature Sheet depicting rare photographs of Churchill, the stamps are carefully hand-stamped with a one-day-only commemorative postmark dated 22nd January 2015 – the stamps’ First Day of Issue.

Encapsulated within the cover are three official British Isles £5 Proof Coins that feature finely engraved portraits of Churchill – in his official army uniform during WWI and WW2, and the centre coin shows a recognisable portrait of him as a politician with his trademark bow tie.

>>Click here to secure your Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover<<

Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection

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Out of a worldwide edition limit of 150, just 30 are available due to the difficulty of sourcing such historically significant coins.

This exclusive set comprises four original Half Crown coins, each representing the unique, historical journey that encompasses both the life of Sir Winston Churchill and pays homage to his leadership during the tumultuous years of World War II.

But, as 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth year, the 1874 Half-Crown has become almost impossible to source. 

>>Click here to secure your Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection<<

Celebrating Galactic History: The Millennium Falcon Coin Launch

Written by Star Wars video presenter – Jonathan Patterson

I’m thrilled to unveil a ground-breaking UK coin series today, with today’s release celebrating the iconic Millennium Falcon struck for the first time on UK coins.

Join Jonathan as he tells you all you need to know about this exciting new launch

A Galactic Collection: The Four-Coin Series

Excitingly the Millennium Falcon 50p coin is just the start, it marks the beginning of an exciting collection that honours the most famous spacecraft from the Star Wars universe.

Us collectors, can expect to see detailed coins of the Galactic Empire’s Tie Fighter, the Rebel Alliance’s X-Wing, and the formidable Death Star II, each reflecting their legendary status within the saga.

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Left to right: Millenium Falcon UK 50p, Tie Fighter UK 50p, Rebel Alliance’s X-Wing UK 50p, Death Star II UK 50p

The Millennium Falcon Coin: A Detailed Tribute

Today’s release, captures the essence of the beloved spacecraft with remarkable detail, as depicted in the original trilogy. This coin is not only a visual delight but also features a unique lenticular design, allowing for a dynamic image transition between the Rebel Alliance ‘Starbird’ logo and the Millennium Falcon. It’s a fitting homage to the ship known for its speed, agility, and representation of the Rebel Alliance’s indomitable spirit.

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Exclusive Editions and Limited Availability

Available in Gold Proof, Silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated editions, this launch marks the first time the Millennium Falcon has been featured on UK coins. The Silver Proof edition, in particular, is limited to a global issue of just 7,500 coins — 40% fewer than previous releases—meaning you’d better be quick to secure one.

As we embark on this galactic adventure with the Millennium Falcon and beyond, now is the perfect opportunity to add to your collection. With prices beginning at just £5.99 (+p&p), dive into the 2024 UK Millennium Falcon Coin collection today and seize your chance to own a piece of movie history.

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>>> Click here to discover the brand new Millennium Falcon UK Coin Series  <<<