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The political scandal that created the 18th century’s most interesting coin…
It is hard to imagine a scandal taking place today where the political leaders of our country are arrested for causing the financial markets to crash. But that is exactly what happened when the ‘South Sea Bubble’ burst.
The ‘South Sea Bubble’ was a political and financial scandal that led to the arrests of leading members of Parliament and the near collapse of the stock market. From this turmoil one of the 18th Century’s most interesting coins was produced. Let me tell you how it happened…
The South Sea Bubble
A trading label of the South Sea Company
The South Sea Company at the heart of the scandal was a trading company with a monopoly on trade in South America. The company was heavily linked with the government of the day, and a number of MPs owned large shares in the company.
Because of their shares in the company, members of the government began using phoney insider information to convince investors of the huge potential in South American trade, and therefore the profitability of the South Sea Company.
However, once investors realised that there was insider trading taking place, the company’s share price collapsed causing a catastrophic loss of money and property.
Edward Matthew Ward’s depiction of the South Sea bubble (1846)
Frantic bankers and members of the gentry who had lost their life savings stormed Parliament and the Riot Act was read to restore order. An enquiry found that more than 500 members of Parliament had been involved in the crash and the Chancellor of the Exchequer was imprisoned.
The South Sea Company Shilling
Reverse of the South Sea Shilling
On the brink of collapse, the South Sea Company luckily stumbled across a horde of silver in Indonesia and sold the precious metal to The Royal Mint.
The silver was minted into coins in 1723 with distinctive ‘SS’ and ‘C’ notations on the reverse. The proceeds from this silver helped enable the South Sea Company to recover from the scandal and ultimately continue operating for another century.
The shillings struck with this silver are now almost 300 years old and are a relic of a financial and political disaster which shook the whole country.
If you’re interested…
Historic silver issues are extremely difficult to source, however we have a small stock of just 50 South Sea Shillings available for collectors. Click here to find out more >>
Meet the FOUR new 2018 Beatrix Potter 50p coins…
Four new Beatrix Potter 50p silver coins have been revealed by The Royal Mint. Flopsy Bunny, the Tailor of Gloucester, and Mrs Tittlemouse all feature for the first time on UK coinage – whilst Peter Rabbit returns for the third year in a row.
The four coins issued last year by The Royal Mint created a collecting storm when 30,000 Peter Rabbit Silver 50p’s sold out in just ONE day, making it the fastest selling and most popular Silver UK 50p coin EVER.
And now they’re issuing BRAND NEW designs for 2018.
Here’s a first look at the new silver coins, with details of when they are available…
The 2018 Peter Rabbit Silver 50p Coin. Edition Limit: 35,000
2018 Peter Rabbit 50p
Back by popular demand is everyone’s favourite bunny – Peter Rabbit.
Probably Beatrix Potter’s most familiar character, the Peter Rabbit Silver 50p, which features the cheeky Rabbit eating carrots from Mr. Mcgregor’s garden, is bound to be incredibly sought-after.
The 2018 Flopsy Bunny Silver 50p Coin. Edition Limit: 35,000.
2018 Flopsy Bunny 50p
This silver 50p, due to be released in March, pictures the loveable Flopsy Bunny – who, with thanks to her family, manages to narrowly avoid Mr. McGregor’s capture and later get revenge.
The 2018 Tailor of Gloucester Silver 50p Coin. Edition Limit: 30,000
2018 the Tailor of Gloucester 50p
Available in April, the Tailor of Gloucester Silver 50p features the original illustration from the front cover of Beatrix Potter’s book. A charming tale of a grateful mouse who after being saved from a ferocious cat, goes onto repay his savior, a tailor, by working on and completing, the tailors waistcoat.
All four coins have been struck to a fine ‘proof finish.’ It really brings the designs to life – and is often referred to as ‘the collector’s favourite’ due the high level of craftsmanship required to achieve the result.
The 2018 Mrs Tittlemouse Silver 50p Coin. Edition Limit: 30,000.
2018 Mrs Tittlemouse 50p
The last coin to be made available in May introduces another of Beatrix Potter’s creations, Mrs Tittlemouse. The charming tale focuses on Mrs Tittlemouse, a tidy little mouse who struggles to keep her home from being invaded by messy insects. The illustration featured on the coin is taken from the original front cover.
I’m sure you’ll agree, these four coins are the perfect continuation of the series, and really capture the nostalgic charm of Beatrix Potter’s original stories.
But if there’s one lesson you can take from last year, make sure you get yours early – before they sell out!
If you’re interested…
You can secure the Peter Rabbit 2018 Silver 50p today, click here for more information >>
Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…
This year marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, arguably the most important military anniversary to be celebrated in British history. In fact, there are numerous official events and ceremonies planned up and down the country to mark the occasion – including a service at Westminster Abbey with an RAF parade and flypast!
It has been a glorious 100 years, full of extreme courage, bravery and self-sacrifice by the men and women who served and continue to serve.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
And, to mark this historic occasion, a brand new Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin has just been issued on behalf of the Bailiwick of Jersey. In my opinion, it is one of the most striking military coins ever issued and is the perfect tribute to ensure the remarkable feats of technology and courage of our RAF are never forgotten.
So what’s the story behind the design?
Mike Guilfoyle
For such an important anniversary, we knew the design had to be particularly special and we felt there was no better person for the job than ex-Royal Mint designer, Mike Guilfoyle.
Mike has 30 years of experience designing coins that have circulated around the world and has produced some of the most stunning British Isles coins ever minted. We were lucky enough to see the design process through with him.
From the start it was clear we wanted to include the most renowned planes from the RAF’s history and Mike came up with multiple options for us.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Design
However, it was the idea to show the incredible changes in technology over the last 100 years that really captured our imagination. The coin features three of the most important aircraft from the last century; the Sopwith Camel, the Supermarine Spitfire and the Lockheed Lightning II which brings us right up to the present day and looks towards the future of our RAF.
Highly detailed design – intricate striking
Through careful research and communicating closely with the MOD, Mike has been able to render each plane in exquisite detail.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Reverse
But this high level of detail and care didn’t just stop at design level. You can clearly see it’s been replicated right through to the striking of Mike’s design on the coins – what really took me aback is that none of the detail has been lost – that’s because the use of Modern Minting techniques used to produce the coins has resulted in one of the most intricately struck coins I’ve ever seen.
What makes it even better is that each plane has been enhanced with 24-Carat Gold Ink to really show off the detail and make it stand out against the Proof background.
The most iconic aircraft of the RAF
Here’s a bit more about why these three special planes have been chosen to feature on the coin:
The Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel has become one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the First World War.
In fact, J. M. Bruce tells us that “The total number of enemy aircraft shot down by Camels was 1,294, a greater number than were defeated by any other single type of aeroplane of the 1914-18 war”[1]
With that astonishing achievement this aircraft continued to serve until 1923 – an incredible lifespan for a plane in this era. [2]
Considering that the Sopwith Camel was serving from the very beginning of the RAF’s official formation and it was such an important part of the First World War, its place in RAF history is well-secured and was a clear choice to be featured on this stunning coin.
The Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Spitfire has to be one of the most famous British fighter aircraft in history and it has become the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War.
In fact, this aircraft has become synonymous with one battle in particular; the Battle of Britain. Alongside the Hawker Hurricane, this aircraft helped to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain and was seen as such a superior aircraft for it’s time that The RAF Museum states “at the height of the Battle of Britain…a German ace…in a moment of anger and frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron of Spitfires!” [3]
With that in mind, and considering the Spitfire still astonishes the crowds at air shows today, featuring this plane was another unanimous decision.
The Lockheed Lightning II
Lockheed Lightning II
Now, this multi-role supersonic stealth aircraft is an incredible example of just how far technology has come and is definitely a plane which will play a key part in the RAF’s future.
In fact, 2018 sees the 617Squadron, becoming the first RAF Squadron equipped with the Lightning II aircraft, of which the UK has so far taken delivery of 9. [4]
To me, these three incredible aircraft represent an ever-evolving RAF that is consistently at the forefront of technology, making this coin a fitting tribute to the courageous work of the RAF, the men and women who have served over the last 100 years and those who will continue to serve in the future.
[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200527.html
[2] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-f1-camel/
[3] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire/
[4] https://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Lightning.cfm
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
If you are interested…
You can be one of a limited number of collectors to own the Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin.
The three iconic aircraft have been highlighted in 24-carat gold ink and this stunning coin has been struck to the highest Proof standard you can find on a collectable coin.
Click here for more details now >>