Posts by The Westminster Collection
Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership between The Royal British Legion & The Westminster Collection
The Westminster Collection has been in proud partnership with The Royal British Legion for over 20 years – since 2004. This makes us one of the charity’s longest-term partners.
Ben France, the Head of Corporate Partnership at RBL says: “We are hugely proud to have The Westminster Collection as one of our longest-standing partners, a business that shares the Royal British Legion’s commitment to being there for the entire Armed Forces community…we are incredibly grateful to The Westminster Collection and its collectors for 20 years of dedicated support and look forward to reaching many more partnership milestones together.”
We couldn’t agree more, so wanted to put together something to show our appreciation to all the collectors who have supported this partnership – providing unwavering support for all these years. Keep reading below to read about the impact of collector’s donations and how this helps support the admirable work of the RBL’s Independent Living Advisors.
The impact of collectors like you
Over the remarkable 20 years of partnership, collectors have raised over £1.3 MILLION for the Royal British Legion. To mark the previous milestone of £1.25 million reached in 2023, we had the pleasure of presenting the Royal British Legion with a cheque from collectors for the incredible amount.
The RBL’s Independent Living Advisors
In 2023 alone, our collectors raised a staggering £99,800 for the RBL which could fund three specialist Independent Living Advisors for a whole year.
When every day challenges get too much for someone living in their own home, RBL Independent Living Advisors make sure that they and their carers have the essential support that helps them live safely and independently. The specialist team helps people access services and funding, from Local Authorities and other groups, for home modifications, in-home care support, and much more.
Kingsman Anthony Cooper MBE
The RBL’s Independent Living Advisors provide support for people like Kingsman Anthony Cooper MBE:
Anthony was told he would never walk or talk again after suffering life-changing injuries in Afghanistan.
Anthony lost both his legs in a Taliban roadside bombing in Helmand Province in July 2010, and was left in a coma for five weeks. Anthony was unable to speak for several months and had to learn how to talk again, beginning with the word ‘hello’. He returned to Lancashire having defied the medics.
With the help of Karen Watson, Senior Independent Living Advisor, Anthony’s home was adapted to suit his needs, which included a series of repairs to the property. The RBL worked in conjunction with his local Council who carried out the major works.
Anthony still struggles with PTSD but the home improvements have made a vast difference to his mental wellbeing. He says: “The house is brilliant now, I can’t thank everyone enough, I’ve built up a good relationship with Karen from the Royal British Legion, and it all came from there.”
Last year, Anthony Cooper was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to veterans in HM The King’s Official Birthday Honours List 2023.
It’s because of support from our wonderful collectors that the Royal British Legion could do this for Anthony and many more.
In 2022-2023, RBL’s Independent Living Advice service provided advice, support, and advocacy to enable 921 people to live safely and well within their homes.
Make a donation to help the RBL give life-long support to every generation of our Armed Forces Community: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate
Recreating History – The Coins Flown on an Original D-Day Dakota Aircraft
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day this year, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom.
Amplifying this is a very special event which has just been held honouring this milestone – one that brought history to life in the most poignant way. A fleet of original WWII Dakota aircraft just took to the skies, carrying a select few coins from The Westminster Collection, on a journey that mirrored the exact route our Allied soldiers travelled 80 years ago to the shores of Normandy.
Watch the video below to find out more about this highly significant event and view the whole range of FLOWN D-Day 80th Anniversary Coins…
Visit www.westminstercollection.com/flowncoins
Or view the range in detail below…
The D-Day 80th Gold Penny First Strike Parachuted Edition
- Once over Carentan in Normandy, a team of paratroopers made an historic jump carrying these solid Gold Pennies, re-enacting the jumps made by thousands of allied soldiers on D-Day.
- Now landed, each coin is being carefully re-housed in a special tamper proof capsule and placed in a deluxe Presentation Case with a Certificate of Authenticity – confirming it as one of the 250 coins to be flown and parachuted.
- Each Jersey Gold Proof Penny has been struck from 9 Carat Gold and has been fully approved by Buckingham Palace and His Majesty the King.
Click here to secure your D-Day Solid Gold Parachuted Penny >>
The D-Day 80th Anniversary Silver Proof 50p Set – Flown Edition
- A worldwide edition limit of just 450, JUST 80 sets flown – SOLD OUT.
The UK 1944 Flown Sixpence D-Day Frame – Flown Edition
- Features an original 1944 Silver Sixpence – struck in the year of the Normandy Landings.
- 1944-dated British coins have become extremely sought-after in the 80th anniversary year, but what makes this edition truly extraordinary is its profound journey.
- Stunning framed edition featuring Dakota artwork – a true piece of history.
Click here to secure your UK 1944 Sixpence D-Day Frame >>
The World War Two Half-Crowns – Flown Edition
- Original World War Two British Half-Crowns – struck in 1939 and 1945 – the first and last year of WWII
- World War Two British coins have become extremely sought-after during the 80th anniversary of D-Day, their journey to Normandy makes these even more collectible.
- Protected in tamperproof capsules in a luxury presentation box – with a certificate of authenticity that details the coins’ journey
- Just 250 of these special edition WWII coin pairs are available worldwide.
Click here to secure your World War Two Half-Crowns >>
The D-Day 80th Anniversary Flown Silver £5 Cover
- JUST 250 worldwide – SOLD OUT.
We’re honoured to offer these coin releases to honour and remember the bravery and sacrifice of our troops 80 years on. We will always remember them.
To visit the range, just go to:
www.westminstercollection.com/flowncoins
The never-before-seen set of Branch Mint Sovereigns
Branch Mint Sovereigns are a captivating chapter in the world of numismatics, offering an enchanting glimpse into the rich history of gold coinage and the economic influence that spread across the British Empire and beyond. These coins, minted in locations outside the primary mint (the Royal Mint in London), played pivotal roles in the economies of their respective regions.
This blog will take you on a journey through the history, significance, and key dates of Branch Mint Sovereigns, including those from Australia, Canada, South Africa, and India.
>>> Click here to secure your Never-Before-Seen British Empire Sovereign Collection <<<
To distinguish between each of the many Royal Mint locations across the British Empire, gold Sovereigns were for many years marked with a letter symbolising the city or country of their origin. Most gold Sovereign coins were produced in London such as The London Mintmark Sovereign, struck at Tower Hill, and since the 1970s in Llantrisant, South Wales. These coins are unmarked, but many had a small mark above the year of production to indicate their origin.
The concept of Branch Mint Sovereigns emerged in response to the British Empire’s expansive reach and the need for a stable and uniform currency across its vast territories. The Royal Mint, unable to meet the burgeoning global demand for sovereigns, established branch mints in various colonies. These mints not only facilitated local transactions but also promoted economic stability and integration within the Empire.
Australian Branch Mints
Australia became a focal point for branch mint sovereigns due to its rich gold deposits discovered during the 19th century. Three main mints operated in Australia:
- Sydney Mint (1855-1926): The first Australian branch mint, it produced sovereigns featuring a unique design with “Sydney Mint” on the reverse until 1870, after which it adopted the standard St. George and the Dragon reverse. These early coins are treasures of history, each telling a story of Australia’s gold rush era. Sovereigns produced in Sydney featured the “S” mintmark.
- Melbourne Mint (1872-1931): Known for its production consistency, the Melbourne Mint produced sovereigns with the “M” mintmark. These coins are prized by collectors for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.
- Perth Mint (1899-1931): The Perth Mint also produced sovereigns marked with a “P”. Its coins stand out for their quality and the rich history of Western Australia’s gold mining legacy.
Canadian Branch Mint
The Ottawa Mint, now the Royal Canadian Mint, was established in 1908. Canadian sovereigns, produced between 1908 and 1931, are distinguished by their “O” mintmark. These coins are a testament to Canada’s important role in the British Empire, especially during the First World War. Each sovereign from this era carries with it the story of a nation coming into its own on the global stage.
South African Branch Mint
The Pretoria Mint began producing sovereigns in 1923, bearing the “SA” mintmark. These coins are significant due to South Africa’s prominent role in gold production. Sovereigns from the Pretoria Mint circulated widely, symbolizing the region’s economic might and the depth of its natural resources.
Indian Branch Mint
The Bombay Mint produced sovereigns for a brief period from 1918 to 1919. These coins, marked with an “I” mintmark, are rare and hold a special place in the history of British India. They were minted to address the wartime demand for gold coinage and reflect India’s pivotal role in the British economy. Each coin is a rare gem, representing a fleeting yet crucial moment in history.
Branch Mint Sovereigns offer a fascinating glimpse into history, connecting the economic dots of the British Empire. From the goldfields of Australia to the financial hubs of Canada, South Africa, and India, these coins represent not just currency but also the economic and cultural exchanges of their time. Collectors and historians alike value these coins for their beauty, rarity, and the stories they tell about an era of global trade and imperial reach.
Dive into the world of Branch Mint Sovereigns with the Complete set of SEVEN ‘Mintmark’ Sovereigns, and let each coin take you on a journey through history. Each Sovereign has been handpicked to complete a set of all seven different mintmarks and all feature the official portrait of George V on the obverse.
>>> Click here to secure your Never-Before-Seen British Empire Sovereign Collection <<<