Posts Tagged ‘Coin’
Battle of Waterloo commemorative issued… by France!
This year will mark the bi-centennial anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. But, despite Napoleon’s defeat taking place a distant 200 years ago, it seems that it is still a delicate subject for the French… or is it?
In March, Belgium planned to issue a €2 commemorative Waterloo coin in honour of the historic event. However, after 180,000 coins were minted with the design, France voiced such objection that Belgium destroyed the coins to avoid upsetting their neighboring country.
But earlier this week Belgium crushed the French resistance by invoking a little-known European Union rule. It allows countries to issue euro coins of their choice, provided they are in an irregular denomination – cue a new €2.50 coin – a first in Belgium.
The coin displays the Lion Hill memorial that marks the battle, with dotted-lines indicating the position of the troops when forces led by Britain and Prussia defeated Napoleon in the countryside near Brussels.
But, ironically, it was the French who issued one of the first Waterloo Commemoratives…
Remarkably, the French State Mint issued a Battle of Waterloo Medal after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815. It was designed for sale in the British market by renowned French sculptor Emile Rogat, depicting a fallen eagle on the reverse, symbolising the French Army.
The eagle is encircled by four vultures to represent the victorious British, Prussians, Austrians and Dutch and the obverse features an official effigy of Napoleon. It became a piece of history, stored in the British Museum.
It’s a great time for collectors during huge anniversaries such as this, as there are so many fascinating coins and commemoratives issued. But perhaps it’s time France looked back at their own history before they complain again!
If you’re interested… 
You can actually own a replica of the 1815 French Medal now in the British Museum, reproduced using the original dies.
Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip honour Battle of Britain heroes today
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Queen visited Kent today where she opened the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s new visitor centre at Capel-Le-Ferne near Folkestone.
The new centre, built in the style of a Spitfire’s wings, is aimed at educating and informing visitors about the Battle of Britain and the airman who defended the country from invasion in 1940.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip met some of the last remaining RAF airman who fought during the pivotal battle. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aerial display group was formed in 1957 with the aim to keep alive the memory of the heroic role played by the RAF in the Battle of Britain and the whole of World War II.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Squadron Logo pictured on the Commemorative Coin
The Memorial Flight’s squadron badge shows the aircraft in their famous formation atop the instantly recognisable red, white and blue RAF roundel with ‘Lest We Forget’ inscribed below.
This historically significant badge has been memorialised on a commemorative coin, issued by Guernsey and officially licensed by the RAF in recognition of this endearing squadron.
Impressively plated in 24-carat gold, the sought-after Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Coin is a prestigious issue which can be handed down to generations for years to come, and is the perfect way to commemorate this historic royal visit.
If you’re interested…
Take the opportunity to own a piece of history with The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Coin, now available for just £9.99. Complete in a capsule with coin wallet, this beautifully crafted piece also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The story behind the Winston Churchill £5 Coin
Plaster engraving of the new Churchill effigy
This year a brand new £5 coin has been issued to commemorate Sir Winston Churchill, and it features a never-seen-before effigy of the great man.
Designed by renowned sculptor and artist David Cornell FRSA, the new portrait shows a defiant Churchill in military uniform.
I’ve been given a behind the scenes look at the creation of the portrait, and had a quick chat with the artist himself.
David Cornell is perhaps more famous for sculpting members of the Royal family, (he was even commissioned to paint a birthday portrait of the Queen) so I thought I’d ask him about his inspiration behind the new design:
David Cornell FRSA working on the new effigy of Sir Winston Churchill
“Winston Churchill was a major part of my childhood growing up in London during the War, hearing his speeches and seeing photos on posters, which left an indelible impression on me.
“I realised later what a great man he was and his contribution to the War effort, inspiring the people of Great Britain.
“As a portrait artist, it has been a great honour for me to be able to portray him in this tribute to honour his legacy.”
First of all Cornell worked on a plaster engraving of the portrait, making sure it fits the very particular dimensions of a coin. You can see the fine detail in the picture above, and also the large size of the plaster, which has to be reduced when the die is created to strike the coin.
The finished Winston Churchill Jersey £5 Coin
The finished £5 coin also features an inscription of one of Churchill’s famous speeches: ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’ Although spoken in reference to the heroes of the Battle of Britain, the quotation was chosen as it represents Churchill’s indomitable spirit during the war.
The coin has been issued on behalf of the Bailiwick of Jersey, and is available now in a range of metals – from an impressive 5oz 22 carat gold version measuring 2 1/2 inches in diameter, to a highly collectable cupro-nickel version available to all. I’m sure you’ll agree, it will make a fitting tribute in any collection to our greatest ever Prime Minister.
If you are interested…
The new Winston Churchill £5 Coin is available now in a special limited edition Proof version. Complete with Presentation Case and Certificate of Authenticity.