Posts Tagged ‘the legion’
The story behind the official 2016 ‘Lest We Forget’ Poppy Coin
The Official 2016 “Lest We Forget” £5 Poppy Coin
The official new Poppy Coin has just been issued in support of The Royal British Legion, and this year it is especially poignant.
2016 is a milestone year as it marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, the First World War battle that has come to symbolise the awful tragedy of the conflict.
To pay respect to those who served, the new coin’s design has been inspired by the falling poppies at the annual Festival of Remembrance – held in the Royal Albert Hall.
I caught up with designer Matt Tindall to ask him about the design:
Matt Tindall, designer of the Official Poppy Coin 2016
“As this is the only official Poppy coin issued in support of The Royal British Legion I wanted to make sure the design was instantly recognisable, yet also had a subtle reference to the importance of the year 2016.
“The wording “Lest We Forget” from Laurence Binyon’s Ode of Remembrance seemed particularly fitting – and the quotation is covered by 11 falling poppies which of course represent the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Designing the official 2016 Poppy Coin
“My grandfather served during the First World War in the South Staffordshire Regiment so it was a real honour to be asked to design the Poppy Coin. The Royal British Legion has always had such an important role in this country and I only hope this coin goes some way to helping their work.”
A coin for everybody
A whole range of different coin specifications are to be struck, meaning there is a coin for every collection. From a special Proof quality cupro-nickel £5 coin – right up to an astonishing 5oz Gold edition, the new Poppy Coin is undoubtedly a moving tribute for Remembrance Day in this historic year.
Officially issued in support of The Royal British Legion
To support the work of The Royal British Legion, The Westminster Collection have organised for a donation from the sale of each coin to go directly to the charity, helping them to continue to provide financial, social and emotional support to all who have served and are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their families.
The Official 2016 “Lest We Forget” Proof £5 Poppy Coin
If you’re interested…
The 2016 “Lest We Forget” Proof £5 Poppy Coin is available now. Click here for more details and to add one to your collection today…
A donation from the sale of each coin will go directly to The Royal British Legion.
How the new Battle of the Somme £5 Coin is set to raise important funds for The Royal British Legion
One Battle. One million casualties.
Nothing represents the suffering of World War I more than the Battle of the Somme, which sees its 100th anniversary on 1st July.
It’s appropriate, therefore, that the new Guernsey £5 coin, officially distributed by The Westminster Collection has been issued in support of The Royal British Legion.
The Battle of the Somme £5 Coin
The Legion was founded in 1921 to bring together the four national ex-servicemen’s charities established after the Great War. Today the charity still works tirelessly to provide financial, social and emotional support to all who have served and are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their families.
Over £500,000 of donations
And, over the last 6 years commemorative coins have helped to support The Legion’s work, with donations arising from their sales, totally over £500,000.
By owning the Battle of the Somme £5 Coin in support of The Royal British Legion, not only are you ensuring that future generation never forget the sacrifices of the Somme and the other World War One battle, but you are also helping support today’s current and ex-servicemen and their families.
Louise Ajdukiewicz, Head of Corporate Partnerships at The Royal British Legion, says: “These funds make a real difference to the charity and help us continue our vital services supporting the whole Armed Forces community.”
Of course, owning the Battle of the Somme £5 Coin is just a small way that you can help support The Royal British Legion. For more information on how you can support The Legion, please click here.