Posts Tagged ‘British history’
Step Back in Time: The Ultimate Historic Coin Collection
Collecting historic coins is more than a hobby—it’s a journey through time. Each coin is a tangible piece of the past, capturing moments that shaped the course of British history. From legendary rulers to pivotal events, these coins connect us to those who lived through Britain’s most defining moments.
For both new and seasoned collectors, the Historic Britain Coin Collection offers the perfect opportunity to own a curated set of iconic coins. Each coin tells a story, from the sinking of the Titanic to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This collection allows you to hold history in your hands and immerse yourself in Britain’s extraordinary legacy.
This curated set of eight iconic British coins captures some of the most poignant events of the last century, each telling its own story of triumph, tragedy, and legacy.
1912 Penny – The Year the Titanic Sank
A tragic chapter in maritime history, the 1912 Penny takes you back to the year the RMS Titanic sank on its maiden voyage. Once hailed as “unsinkable,” the Titanic’s journey ended in catastrophe when it struck an iceberg, claiming over 1,500 lives. This coin from that fateful year reminds us of the fleeting nature of human ambition and the importance of preparedness.
1918 Threepence – The Final Year of World War One
The war that was meant to end all wars came to a close in 1918. The 1918 Threepence, minted in the final year of World War I, symbolises the hard-won peace that followed the devastation of conflict. This coin stands as a tribute to the soldiers and citizens who endured the unthinkable to restore balance to a broken world.
1939 Half-Crown – The Beginning of World War Two
As storm clouds gathered across Europe, Britain braced itself for another world conflict. The 1939 Half-Crown, struck in the first year of World War II, marks the beginning of a long and brutal struggle. This coin is a testament to the resilience and determination of the British people as they faced one of their darkest times.
1944 Silver Sixpence – The Year of D-Day
June 6th, 1944, forever known as D-Day, was a turning point in the Allied campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. The 1944 Silver Sixpence in this collection honors the bravery of the men who stormed the beaches of Normandy, playing a vital role in securing freedom and peace for generations to come.
1953 Coronation Crown – Queen Elizabeth II’s First Coin
The 1953 Coronation Crown commemorates the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, her coronation was a moment of national pride and unity. Featuring the Queen on horseback, this coin marks the beginning of a reign that would span over seven decades, making it a cornerstone of this collection.
1965 Churchill Crown – Honouring a Wartime Leader
Sir Winston Churchill, the man who led Britain through World War II, was immortalized on the 1965 Churchill Crown, issued in the year of his death. This was the first time a non-royal figure appeared on a British coin, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest leaders in British history.
1966 Shilling – England’s Football Glory
1966 was a year of triumph for England, as the national football team secured their first and only World Cup victory. The 1966 Shilling captures the excitement of this historic win and the moment England was crowned champions, a moment that still resonates with football fans today.
2022 Memoriam 50p – A Tribute to Elizabeth II’s Reign
The final coin in the collection, the 2022 Memoriam 50p, pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her passing. Issued to honor her record-breaking 70-year reign, this coin is also notable for being the first to feature the official effigy of King Charles III. It’s a fitting close to a remarkable chapter in British history.
Your Connection to British History
This unique collection isn’t just a set of coins—it’s a journey through Britain’s most iconic moments. Each coin is preserved in a bespoke presentation case, along with a timeline certificate of authenticity, ensuring that you not only own a part of history but also the story behind it.
With the limited number of these historic coins available, this is your chance to secure a collection that spans over a century of British history. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.
> Click here to get your Historic Britain Coin Collection today <
CLOSER LOOK: The history-making vehicles that inspired an impressive set of 50ps…
This year, we’re celebrating 120 years of thrilling competition and daredevil feats with the NEW Isle of Man History of Motor Racing 50p Set.
We travelled to The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu where we met Patrick Collins – Curator: Vehicles and Research – who gave us a closer look at the history-making vehicles that inspired these impressive 50ps…
Watch our video below:
The Isle of Man Motor Racing 50p Set
Available exclusively from The Westminster Collection, this new 50p Set celebrates FIVE Motor Racing FIRSTS with each design featuring an iconic vehicle from history.
1904 – The FIRST Motor Race
The first motor race held on the Isle of Man decided Britain’s representatives for the Gordon Bennett Cup, marking the dawn of competitive Manx Motor Racing. Walter Thomas Clifford triumphed, covering the gruelling 255-mile course in 7 hours and 26 minutes in his Napier.
1907 – The FIRST Isle of Man TT Race
Fast forward to 1907, and we arrive at the birth of an iconic event – The first TT (Tourist Trophy) Race which was won by Rem Fowler on a Norton. This world-famous motorcycle race is synonymous with the Isle of Man and has been celebrated on a series of Isle of Man £2 Coins too!
1923 – The FIRST TT Sidecar Race
1923 was a landmark year for Manx Motorsports. First, the TT Sidecar Race was introduced – adding an extra layer of excitement to the race. The first Sidecar race was won by Freddie Dixon and passenger Walter Denney, who rode a Douglas to victory.
1923 – The FIRST Manx Grand Prix
1923 also marked the inaugural Manx Grand Prix. Known as the amateur’s alternative to the TT, the first Grand Prix was won by Len Randles on his 500cc Sunbeam.
1963 – The FIRST Manx Rally
Rounding out this extraordinary set is the coin celebrating the first Manx Rally in 1963. This landmark event was won by Reg McBride and Don Barrow in a Ford Anglia Allardette.
Available Exclusively from The Westminster Collection
You can view the Complete Isle of Man Motor Racing 50p Range on The Westminster Collection website. Prices start from JUST £37.50 and I’ve already seen SELL OUTS.
The inspiration behind The Great British Pubs £2 Collection 🍻
“The pub sign says: you are still in England. Come in here and – however far from home you are, however, outlandish our name – you will find the comforts of your local town or village.”
Sebastian Faulks, ‘Icons of England’. Edited by Bill Bryson, 2010
Following the special release of The Great British Pubs Collection, we wanted to delve into the history behind the iconic pub signs featured on the coins themselves.
It turns out the concept of a pub sign has been around for over 1,000 years! Spawning from the Roman custom of hanging vines outside to let thirsty travellers know they would soon have refreshment – combined with the Roman’s arrival in England, and the lack of grape vines to drape across the pub entrance, an evergreen bush was used as an alternative. So, pubs named The Bush or The Holly Bush owe their name to this ancient custom. The very first sign that there was a pub nearby…
The pub sign as we know it today was actually a royal decree. In 1393 King Richard ordered, ‘That whoever shall brew ale in the town, with the purpose of selling it, shall hang out a sign otherwise he shall forfeit his ale.’ As a result, many ale houses began to display signs. But with many still being unable to read it was necessary to use painted pictures so the establishment could be clearly identified.
So, keep reading below to explore the origins of each pub featured on the brand new £2 coin collection.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion is probably one of the most common names for a pub. It originates from the time of James VI of Scotland and I of England, uniting the Scottish and English crowns in 1603.
To emphasise the newfound union between the crowns of Scotland and England, James decreed that the heraldic red lion of Scotland should be displayed on all buildings of importance – which included pubs.
The Ship Inn
As a maritime nation, there is a rich tradition of seafaring and trade that has resulted in many pubs having a name related to ships.
In some cases, the ships depicted on these signs were specific, such as Victory, Vice-Admiral Nelson’s flagship.
The Royal Oak
Another popular pub name is The Royal Oak. Originating after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, fought during the English Civil War.
Charles II’s Royalist Army was defeated during this battle by Cromwell’s Parliamentarians. Charles then had to flee for his life, seeking refuge in the form of a great oak tree near Boscobel House in Shropshire – with hopes that he would not be spotted by Cromwell’s men.
His plan succeeded and having evaded capture, Charles II went on to be restored to the throne. As a result of this dramatic tale of cunning escape, the tree became known as the Royal Oak and pubs across the country were named in tribute.
The White Hart
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, it was the 1393 decree of Richard II that made pub signs compulsory. The White Hart was Richard’s personal badge and so many pubs chose to adopt the name at the time.
There’s even a Grade II listed sign for The White Hart in Bletchingley, Surrey – dating back to the 18th century. It is shown in the image below.
The Rose and Crown
Rooted in a key event of British history, The Rose and Crown celebrates the end of the War of the Roses 1455-1487. A series of civil wars for the throne of England between two competing royal families: the House of York and the House of Lancaster.
The result was the uniting of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York when Henry Tudor married Elizabeth of York. Hence the literal phrasing of the rose and crown together, united.
Where you can get your set today
The Great British pub is at the heart of the community. As you’ve read, this has been the case for generations, so celebrate this integral part of Britain’s culture with The Great British Pubs £2 Coin Collection!
These coins are not just a tribute to the historic artwork above pub entrances, but also a celebration of the stories and memories created within their walls.
Click here to secure yours today >>>
