Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

This year marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, arguably the most important military anniversary to be celebrated in British history. In fact, there are numerous official events and ceremonies planned up and down the country to mark the occasion – including a service at Westminster Abbey with an RAF parade and flypast!

It has been a glorious 100 years, full of extreme courage, bravery and self-sacrifice by the men and women who served and continue to serve.

RAF 100th Jersey Five Pound Proof Coin Obverse Reverse - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin

And, to mark this historic occasion, a brand new Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin has just been issued on behalf of the Bailiwick of Jersey. In my opinion, it is one of the most striking military coins ever issued and is the perfect tribute to ensure the remarkable feats of technology and courage of our RAF are never forgotten.

 

So what’s the story behind the design?

Mike Guilfoyle 300x200 - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

Mike Guilfoyle

For such an important anniversary, we knew the design had to be particularly special and we felt there was no better person for the job than ex-Royal Mint designer, Mike Guilfoyle.

Mike has 30 years of experience designing coins that have circulated around the world and has produced some of the most stunning British Isles coins ever minted. We were lucky enough to see the design process through with him.

From the start it was clear we wanted to include the most renowned planes from the RAF’s history and Mike came up with multiple options for us.

RAF 100th Jersey Five Pound Proof Coin Design - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Design

However, it was the idea to show the incredible changes in technology over the last 100 years that really captured our imagination. The coin features three of the most important aircraft from the last century; the Sopwith Camel, the Supermarine Spitfire and the Lockheed Lightning II which brings us right up to the present day and looks towards the future of our RAF.


Highly detailed design – intricate striking

Through careful research and communicating closely with the MOD, Mike has been able to render each plane in exquisite detail.

RAF Five Pound Proof Coin Close Up - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Reverse

But this high level of detail and care didn’t just stop at design level. You can clearly see it’s been replicated right through to the striking of Mike’s design on the coins – what really took me aback is that none of the detail has been lost – that’s because the use of Modern Minting techniques used to produce the coins has resulted in one of the most intricately struck coins I’ve ever seen.

What makes it even better is that each plane has been enhanced with 24-Carat Gold Ink to really show off the detail and make it stand out against the Proof background.

The most iconic aircraft of the RAF

Here’s a bit more about why these three special planes have been chosen to feature on the coin:

The Sopwith Camel

Camel 300x200 - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

Sopwith Camel

The Sopwith Camel has become one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the First World War.

In fact, J. M. Bruce tells us that “The total number of enemy aircraft shot down by Camels was 1,294, a greater number than were defeated by any other single type of aeroplane of the 1914-18 war”[1]

With that astonishing achievement this aircraft continued to serve until 1923 – an incredible lifespan for a plane in this era. [2]

Considering that the Sopwith Camel was serving from the very beginning of the RAF’s official formation and it was such an important part of the First World War, its place in RAF history is well-secured and was a clear choice to be featured on this stunning coin.

The Supermarine Spitfire

Spitfire 300x200 - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

Supermarine Spitfire

The Spitfire has to be one of the most famous British fighter aircraft in history and it has become the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War.

In fact, this aircraft has become synonymous with one battle in particular; the Battle of Britain. Alongside the Hawker Hurricane, this aircraft helped to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain and was seen as such a superior aircraft for it’s time that The RAF Museum states “at the height of the Battle of Britain…a German ace…in a moment of anger and frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron of Spitfires! [3]

With that in mind, and considering the Spitfire still astonishes the crowds at air shows today, featuring this plane was another unanimous decision.

The Lockheed Lightning II 

Lightning 300x200 - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

Lockheed Lightning II

Now, this multi-role supersonic stealth aircraft is an incredible example of just how far technology has come and is definitely a plane which will play a key part in the RAF’s future.

In fact, 2018 sees the 617Squadron, becoming the first RAF Squadron equipped with the Lightning II aircraft, of which the UK has so far taken delivery of 9. [4]

To me, these three incredible aircraft represent an ever-evolving RAF that is consistently at the forefront of technology, making this coin a fitting tribute to the courageous work of the RAF, the men and women who have served over the last 100 years and those who will continue to serve in the future.

[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200527.html
[2] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-f1-camel/
[3] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire/
[4] https://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Lightning.cfm

RAF 100th Jersey Five Pound Proof Coin - Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…

The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin

If you are interested…

You can be one of a limited number of collectors to own the Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin.

The three iconic aircraft have been highlighted in 24-carat gold ink and this stunning coin has been struck to the highest Proof standard you can find on a collectable coin.

Click here for more details now >>

 

11 Comments

  1. Chris on September 10, 2018 at 11:03 am

    All fine with camel and spitfire yes blatant British aircraft ,Lockheed lighting not a plane i would think of as typically british or relevant to UK defence so far not as much as the for tornado or the unnamed jump jet that actually saw conflict on behalf of UK forces , sadly disappointing that this white elephant of an aircraft is hijacking an raf memorial coin . Should have just put a few f16s of a b2 on there , ps I love aviation but am saddened that an American aircraft not yet in service apart from the 9on loan is on an raf memorial flight coin !!!!!

  2. Don Allen. on February 28, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    The Royal Air Force Centenery Coin advertised in the Daily Mail on the 24th Feruary priced at£5.00 each shows the three aircraft in beautiful full colour, but on this site it states they are in gold…..so can you advise please which it is??

    Kind regards.
    Don Allen.

  3. Peter Evans on February 20, 2018 at 11:49 am

    Will you be selling the three 2018 commemorative £2 BU coins individually?
    I have only seen them advertised as part of a five coin set which includes a £5 and 50p coin

    • Robin Parkes on February 21, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Hi Peter, the UK £2 coins are released individually gradually over the course of the year. We will stock them all when they come out, if you look at the porduct pages on here there are forms so you can sign up for notifications when they are out: https://www.westminstercollection.com/coins/british-isles/2018.aspx Thanks, Robin.

  4. david coupland on January 28, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    please can you tell me the price of four royal air force centenary coins are

  5. Pete on January 21, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    Are these legal tender?

    Thanks in adavance

    • Robin Parkes on January 22, 2018 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Pete, yes they are legal tender in Jersey. Thanks, Robin.

  6. Chris on January 15, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    How many of these coins have been struck?

    • Robin Parkes on January 16, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      Hi Chris, the editions limit for the Proof coin sis 4,950 and for the Silver Proof it is 2,500. Hope this helps, thanks, Robin.

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