The day I carried coins on board an Original WWII Lancaster
On 14th June, Ben, our Concept Development Manager, had the opportunity to see the famous RAF Avro Lancaster up close and personal.
Here’s what Ben has to say about his experience retracing the steps of the legendary Dambusters and having the brand new £5 coins carried on board an original WWII Lancaster Bomber…
To mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise – the legendary Dambusters Raid, I wanted to capture some of that history and somehow apply it to some of the superb coins issued for the anniversary.
Following is my story of how our one day in Lincolnshire panned out. A story that makes each of these coins – in my opinion – uniquely collectable. Here’s how it went…
I have come to rural Lincolnshire to a private museum and airstrip at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby, to take some of the Dambusters 80th Anniversary Coins on a ride of a lifetime.
But before that happened, it was an overnighter in a remarkable hotel, few know about. This part of the English countryside is awash with airfields, aircraft museums and RAF bases.
It was central to RAF and Bomber Command’s missions and in 1944 the skies would have been buzzing with Spitfires, Hurricanes and of course, Lancaster Bombers. And that’s why the hotel I stayed in has some fascinating Dambusters links.
The Petwood Hotel was where Wing Commander Guy Gibson and the hand picked 617 Squadron had billeted during the war.
The squadron bar is now a museum shrine to the history of the squadron featuring artwork, photos and cabinets full of authentic 617 memorabilia. This is the exact room where Guy Gibson would have had a pint with his colleagues, as they discussed their missions past and present.
There is even a genuine prototype Bouncing Bomb in the garden…
It’s a remarkable feeling to know you’re sat at the very bar they did.
After an evening at the bar, it was up bright and early to head to the Lancaster Aviation Heritage Centre. And it was here as I drove through the gates, I got my first glimpse of ‘Just Jane’, one of only FOUR operational Lancaster bombers in the entire world.
Technically known as Avro Lancaster B. VII NX611, she was one of 150 Lancasters built in early 1945 for operations in the Far East.
She’s had a varied history. In the 1970s she stood as the Gate Guardian at RAF Scampton (home of Vulcan bombers and more recently, The Red Arrows) before being sold privately and moved to her current home in 1987. She is now a fantastic piece of aviation history, and the ongoing restoration program means hopefully soon we will see her take to the skies once more.
It was a beautiful sunny day, as I arrived at the airfield early in the morning to get the coins onboard. She was still in her hangar alongside the De Havilland Mosquito and a B25 Mitchell.
Before the Lanc was fired up – the main part of our mission started. We were given permission to board and get the coins securely stashed. This in itself was a privilege, reserved usually for visitors who book the tour and the ride, something that gets booked up a year in advance.
Despite its size, there is not a lot of room inside a Lancaster for boxes of coins!
There’s barely room for people, and only once you are inside do you contemplate how it must have felt when heading on a bombing mission. It’s dark, cramped, and once you are in position, there’s no moving. With the engines running I imagine it is exceptionally loud.
The coins were loaded in with help from the crew who work at the LAHC, and I had a short amount of time to photograph them inside the plane before she was moved outside and prepared for the day’s events.
Then the magic happened.
As the four huge Merlin engines spluttered into life, a deafening roar bellowed across the tarmac, debris flew across the airfield as the wind seemed to pick up as we stood in awe. Lancaster Bomber NX611 made her way along the tarmac and onto the grass airstrip, where the engines kicked up a few notches.
It really is a sight to behold. And there we had it, coins travelling on board a piece of aviation history in the anniversary year of the Lancaster’s most famous moment – adding to their own provenance forever.
As the Lanc returned, the coins having been onboard a few hours, I had a five-minute window between runs to get onboard, remove the coins and stack them up on the airfield.
She had another group of guests to take for a ride. She wasn’t going to wait for us, and I wasn’t going to get in her way. It was a day I shall never forget. And thankfully, these coins now act as a lasting reminder of this epic and historic occasion.
If you’re interested…
Click here to secure your Lancaster NX611 CARRIED Dambusters £5 for JUST £25 (+p&p) >>
Secure the East India Company’s FIRST Sovereign range to feature King Charles III
Renowned for their intricate minting, stunning designs and innovative concepts, The East India company is at the height of numismatic craftsmanship.
And every year, The East India Company issue their Gold Sovereign coin range.
Released to celebrate key events, anniversaries and the history of the British Monarchy, these coins are steeped in tradition, artistry, and inspired by Sovereigns from the past and present.
But this year, collectors have waited for arguably the most anticipated East India Company release in decades: the first Sovereign range to feature our new monarch, King Charles III.
Read on to learn why The East India Company’s yearly Sovereign releases are so sought-after, why this year’s issue has already created a collecting buzz, and how you can secure one…
The Range
The East India Company’s renowned Sovereign range is known for its spectacular designs and detailed minting techniques. Historically, each coin has thoughtfully depicted part of the Royal Coat of Arms, paying tribute to the British Monarchy.
This year, in May 2023, the world witnessed the crowning of King Charles III. This was the first Coronation celebrated for a British monarch in over 70 years.
So, collectors anticipated The East India Company’s 2023 Sovereign range to be more spectacular than ever…
Included in this brand-new Sovereign range from the East India Company is:
- The Sovereign
- The Double Sovereign
- The Three-Sovereign Set
- The Five-Sovereign Set
Insatiable Demand
These are the FIRST East India Company Sovereigns to feature King Charles III on the obverse.
This official effigy has been designed by Glyn Davies, which also features on the new British Isles coin releases.
All struck from 22 carat Gold, each Sovereign in this range features the unique East India Company Privy Mark which depicts a portrayal of St. Edward’s Crown bearing the initials CR.
But, this Sovereign range has been given strict worldwide edition limits.
In fact, The East India Company’s 2023 Sovereign is nearly 24 times more limited than the SOLD-OUT UK 2022 Memorial Sovereign, which was also the first to feature King Charles III.
What’s more, the 2021 Gold Sovereign and the 2022 Five-Sovereign set completely sold-out.
Don’t miss out! Click here to explore the entire range and discover the Sovereign that suits you >>
How to secure yours…
The emphasis on this being the first Sovereign range from The East India Company to feature King Charles III cannot be overstated.
When you consider past sell-outs combined with demand collectors demonstrated for the first UK Sovereigns to feature His Majesty, demand is expected to be unmatched.
But, The Westminster Collection has been lucky enough to secure a small number of Sovereigns from this brand-new range. Although, looking at the edition limits, they are unlikely to be available for long…
Click here to view the BRAND-NEW King Charles III Sovereign range from The East India Company >>
Celebrate 75 years of Windrush with the BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
2023 marks 75 years of the Windrush Generation.
And to celebrate, The Royal Mint have released a BRAND-NEW UK coin range!
But what is the Windrush Generation? Carry on reading to learn more and find out how you can commemorate this historic occasion…
England, 1948
The term ‘Windrush Generation’ is coined from the arrival of individuals onboard the HMT Empire Windrush ship, travelling from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1973.
After UK migration laws changed in 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush docked in England for the first time whilst carrying over 1,000 Caribbean passengers.
The aim was to help reduce British labour shortages and to prevent an economic collapse post-Second World War, with the individuals who travelled to the UK becoming known as the Windrush Generation.
The movement was successful in rebuilding the nation after WWII, and their contributions to the UK have helped to shape modern British society and culture to this day.
In fact, the voyage became a symbol of the mass-migration movement altogether, and in 2023, we celebrate 75 years since the Windrush ship first docked in England.
The Windrush 50p
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, The Royal Mint have released a brand-new 50p coin in a range of specifications.
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated – to the stunning 92.50% Silver Proof and double thickness Silver Piedfort in vivid colour, there is something for everyone.
In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to preserve such a key period of British history for generations to come.
But, with limited numbers available, you must act now! Click here to explore the range >>