Posts Tagged ‘coin collector’
A Timeless Tribute to Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch
If you’re a history enthusiast or a coin collector, there’s a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss: the chance to secure a complete collection of British Crown coins, each representing a significant moment from every decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s unparalleled 70-year reign. This collection isn’t just a series of coins; it’s a meticulously curated timeline that honours the life and legacy of a monarch who reigned through some of the most transformative times in British history.
Why the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a Must-Have
This remarkable collection begins with the very first commemorative Crown issued during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign—the 1953 Coronation Crown. From there, your collection will take you through seven decades of British history, with each Crown coin marking a pivotal event during the Queen’s reign. The journey concludes with the UK 2022 In Memoriam Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin, the first to feature King Charles III, symbolising the close of one chapter and the beginning of another in British monarchy history.
A Coin for Every Decade: The Story Behind Each Crown
The Coronation Crown
Elizabeth II’s journey as Queen began in 1952, and her Coronation was celebrated the following year with the release of the first commemorative Crown of her reign. This iconic coin features a distinctive portrait of Her Majesty on horseback, dressed in her uniform as Colonel in Chief of the Grenadier Guards.
The Churchill Commemorative Crown
The 1960s brought the passing of one of Britain’s greatest leaders, Winston Churchill. In 1965, The Royal Mint issued a Crown featuring Churchill’s portrait on the reverse, making history as the first time a non-monarch was depicted on a British coin. The obverse showcases the first official coinage portrait of Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick.
The Silver Jubilee Crown
The 1970s saw Britain joining the European Economic Community and Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977. To mark 25 years on the throne, The Royal Mint issued a Crown reminiscent of the 1953 Coronation Crown, featuring Coronation Regalia on the reverse and the Queen on horseback on the obverse.
The Royal Wedding Crown
In 1981, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was a momentous occasion. The Royal Mint commemorated the event with a Crown coin that, for the first time, featured three portraits: Charles, Diana, and the official portrait of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.
The 40th Anniversary of the Coronation
The 1990s brought the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. The Royal Mint issued a special Crown in 1993, featuring Mary Gillick’s original portrait of the Queen, surrounded by a circle of eight mounted trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, with the Crown of St. Edward on the reverse.
The Golden Jubilee Crown
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee. To commemorate this milestone, The Royal Mint released a one-year-only Crown coin, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, with an equestrian portrait of the Queen that echoed the design of the 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown.
The Prince Philip Crown
The 2010s saw Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stepping down from public duties in 2017. Known for his service and numerous contributions, The Royal Mint honored him with a £5 coin featuring a portrait designed by Humphrey Paget.
The In Memoriam Crown
The final coin in the collection is a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s life and legacy. Issued in 2022, this £5 coin features the last portrait of the Queen by Jody Clark, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem Crown. The reverse marks the historic transition with the first official effigy of King Charles III.
Assembled with precision and care, the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a rare opportunity to own a piece of British history. The collection is housed in a deluxe wooden presentation case and comes with a unique timeline certificate of authenticity, ensuring that your collection is not only preserved but also celebrated for years to come.
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Churchill’s “V for Victory” Campaign: A Leader’s Powerful Symbol of Unity
On July 19, 1941, Winston Churchill, our steadfast British Prime Minister, introduced a potent symbol of hope and defiance: the “V for Victory” campaign. This emblem of resistance became a rallying cry for the Allied forces and occupied Europe, showcasing Churchill’s leadership and his ability to inspire a war-torn world.
The Origin of the “V” Symbol
The idea of using the letter “V” as a symbol of victory came from Victor de Laveleye, a Belgian politician and broadcaster. In January 1941, de Laveleye suggested that “V,” the first letter of “victoire” in French, “vrijheid” in Dutch, and “victory” in English, could unify those resisting the Axis powers. This simple yet profound idea quickly spread, as people across occupied Europe began marking the letter “V” in public places as a silent act of defiance.
Churchill’s Leadership and Promotion of the Campaign
Churchill saw the potential of the “V” sign to inspire the public. On July 19, 1941, he endorsed the “V for Victory” campaign in a radio broadcast, urging people everywhere to adopt the symbol as a gesture of defiance and hope.
Churchill himself frequently made the “V” sign with his fingers during public appearances, creating a powerful visual connection between his leadership and the cause of victory. This gesture, captured in photographs and newsreels, became synonymous with his indomitable spirit.
The British government supported the campaign vigorously. The BBC integrated the Morse code for “V” (dot-dot-dot-dash) into its broadcasts, often using the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which matched this pattern. Posters, leaflets, badges, stickers and even cigarettes helped spread the “V for Victory” message far and wide.
The Impact of Churchill’s Symbol
The “V for Victory” campaign significantly boosted morale in both occupied and free nations. For those under Nazi control, the symbol provided a sense of solidarity and hope, reminding them that liberation was possible. In Allied countries, it reinforced the resolve to support the war effort and remain united against tyranny.
The widespread use of the “V” symbol also had a psychological impact on the Axis powers, demonstrating the resilience and determination of those they sought to subdue.
Today, Churchill’s “V for Victory” campaign stands as a testament to his leadership and the power of symbols in rallying a nation. His strategic use of the “V” sign not only galvanised the war effort but also left a lasting legacy of hope and unity that continues to inspire.
Churchill’s ability to transform a simple idea into a powerful emblem of resistance and victory exemplifies his extraordinary leadership during one of history’s darkest times. The “V” sign remains a timeless symbol of the enduring human spirit and the fight for freedom.
Thank you for reading.
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Celebrating 125 years of The Perth Mint: 2024 Australia Gold Proof Sovereign
The Perth Mint has a storied history rooted in the gold rush of the 1850s, a time when vast quantities of precious metal were unearthed in Western Australia. To capitalise on this wealth, The Perth Mint was established in 1899 as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Australia’s numismatic heritage. In a nod to it’s past, The Perth Mint proudly announces the release of the 2024 Australia Gold Proof Sovereign.
This edition is truly special. It’s the first Australia Sovereign to feature King Charles III, with the reverse redesigned to pay homage to the first-ever Perth Mint Sovereign struck 125 years ago. This new design presents a fresh interpretation of the classic St. George and the Dragon.
Struck by The Perth Mint from 22 carat gold, the design itself re-imagines the traditional St George and the Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci, depicting a warrior on horseback brandishing a sword above a vanquished dragon.
The intricate design is encircled by the inscriptions ‘AUSTRALIA’, ‘2024’, and also a a special ‘P125’ mintmark – signifying the Australian coin has been struck at The Perth Mint on this 125th Anniversary year.
The obverse features Royal Mint artist, Dan Thorne’s, portrait of King Charles III. This is the first time that King Charles features on an Australian Sovereign, marking another key moment in numismatic history.
Explore the design
Use the interactive points in the image below to explore the original St George and the Dragon design and the brand-new design featuring on the 2024 Australian Gold Proof Sovereign.
A Limited Edition Masterpiece
The edition limit for this coin is just 2,000, making it over three times scarcer than the sold-out UK 2024 Gold Proof Sovereign. Struck to the same exacting standards as the UK Gold Proof Sovereign, this coin weighs 7.98 grams of 22-carat gold. It is the first Sovereign issued since the Platinum Jubilee edition in 2022, marking a two-year hiatus due to the change of monarch.
A Tribute to History
The very first coin minted by The Perth Mint in 1899 is a piece of history permanently displayed in its gold exhibition. This coin was the first of 106 million sovereigns produced until 1931, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to shine brightly.
The 2024 Australian Gold Proof Sovereign is a remarkable tribute to 125 years of rich heritage, as well as a unique milestone in a brand-new legacy of King Charles III. This limited edition coin, with its exquisite design and high-quality craftsmanship, is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Secure your piece of history and celebrate the golden legacy of The Perth Mint and 125 years of the Australian Sovereign.
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