Coins
The Gold Pennies being parachuted out of an original WWII Dakota
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in history that heralded the beginning of the end of World War II.
To honour this momentous occasion, an extraordinary event is being held at North Weald Airfield in Essex, UK. From Friday 31st May to 2nd June, visitors will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history with a variety of activities and a special highlight for the Westminster Collection – the PARACHUTING of the D-Day 80th Anniversary Gold Penny First Strike Edition….
Step Back in Time: The D-Day Commemoration Event
Imagine stepping onto a bustling airfield, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the 1940s. The North Weald Airfield event promises an authentic World War II experience, featuring a fleet of historic Dakotas and other period aircraft. These iconic planes, vital to the success of many Allied campaigns, particularly during the D-Day invasion, will be on full display. The C-47s, affectionately known in British service as Dakotas, were instrumental in dropping over 50,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines during the first days of the invasion.
Over the three days, visitors can tour these legendary aircraft, meet the dedicated crews who preserve their history, and delve deep into the stories that these metal birds carry. The re-enactments will give a glimpse into the life of a WWII soldier, and the paratroopers will be able to be observed preparing for their jumps, and the historic sight of the WWII aircraft taking to the skies.
The Gold Pennies taking a journey of their own…
And adding huge excitement for collectors is the release and parachuting of the limited-edition D-Day 80th Anniversary 9 Carat Gold Pennies.
A limited edition run of just 995 solid gold pennies are being struck to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we have been able to secure the first 250 of these to be struck for a mission of their own – to be flown and parachuted on a special 80th anniversary flight.
That’s right, this means these 250 Gold Pennies are not only a FIRST STRIKE edition, but flown in and parachuted out of an original WWII Dakota aircraft.
They will be sent on a mission over to Carentan in Normandy, mirroring the daring jumps made by Allied soldiers 80 years ago. Once over Carentan and carrying the coins in their uniforms, the team of ex-military parachutists will make an historic jump, re-enacting the jumps made by thousands of allied soldiers on D-Day.
Each coin, once landed, will be carefully collected, housed in a tamper-proof capsule, and placed in a deluxe presentation case, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its historic journey.
About the ’Dakota’ aircraft
The Douglas C-47 Dakota played a pivotal role in the success of numerous Allied operations during World War II, cementing its place in aviation and military history. Known as the “gooney bird” by those who flew and maintained it, the C-47 was a military adaptation of the DC-3, an aircraft that had already revolutionised commercial air travel.
The Dakota’s significance extends beyond its robust design and reliability; it was the backbone of the Allied air transport fleets. In Europe, the C-47 and a specialised paratroop variant, the C-53 Skytrooper, were used in vast numbers in the later stages of the war, particularly to tow gliders and drop paratroopers. More than 50,000 paratroopers were dropped by C-47s during the first few days of the D-Day campaign in June 1944. The Dakota’s versatility was unmatched; it served in roles ranging from medical evacuation and cargo transport to paratrooper drops and even as makeshift bombers.
The Dakota’s contribution to the war effort and its lasting legacy in both military and civilian aviation make it one of the most celebrated aircraft in history.
Join us in remembering the heroes of D-Day with this special release
Owning one of these rare gold pennies is more than just acquiring a collectible. This is a unique opportunity to own a part of history, captured in 9-carat gold, and approved by Buckingham Palace and His Majesty the King.
If you’re interested in securing this highly significant release, you’ll have to act fast. Remember, only 250 First Strike Parachuted Editions are available for a small group of collectors.
Why these are the most historic moments of the past year…
The first year of a new monarch’s reign is almost always the most important. It’s the one that sets the tone for their chapter in our history.
And as King Charles stepped into the shoes he was born to fill, certain moments from the past year captured the tone for the New Carolean Age brilliantly, with a mutual respect for tradition and adaptation to the modern world.
Indeed, these traditional roles of the King are so ingrained in our history that five new 50p coins have been issued with authorisation from King Charles III himself to mark the first time that each role has been carried out by King Charles.
Let’s take a look at what they are and why they’ve become so integral to British identity…
The Royal Maundy Service – 6th April 2023
This is an annual service held in the Church of England on Maundy Thursday, ahead of the Easter weekend. During the service the British monarch distributes small silver coins known as ‘Maundy money’ as symbolic alms to elderly recipients.
On 6th April 2023, in the beautiful York Minster, the King gave 74 men and 74 women two small purses each – one red and one white – each containing Maundy money.
Importantly, the number of recipients and the value of the coins within the white purse reflects the King’s age. While the red purse held two commemorative coins, one issued to mark his 75th birthday and one to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.
The Coronation – 6th May 2023
Now, we’ll all remember where we were on 6th May 2023, as the nation came together to witness the first Coronation in 70 years, with 20 million of us watching the live TV broadcast.
The crowning of a King or Queen is an ancient ceremony, rich in religious significance, history and pageantry.
A Coronation Liturgy (or Order of Service) was authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury and produced in close consultation with the King and the UK Government and comprised both traditional and completely new elements.
Trooping the Colour – 17th June 2023
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade in London by regiments of the Household Division, to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign. This ancient ceremony has occurred since 1748 and is the highlight of the military ceremonial calendar.
King Charles III led the way on horseback with Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward also on horseback behind him.
The colour trooped in 2023 was that of The Welsh Guards for the first time in 30 years.
The Garter Service – 19th June 2023
In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter.
Today, the Order includes The King, several senior members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights, chosen in recognition of their work. In 2023 two new members of the Order of the Garter were appointed by the King – Chris Patten, the final governor of Hong Kong, and former Labour minister Catherine Ashton.
Every June, a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress.
The State Opening of Parliament – 7th November 2023
“His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament” marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year.
The speech sets out the programme of legislation that the Government intend to pursue in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Importantly, the 2023 State Opening of Parliament was held much later in the year than usual due to the Coronation in May.
These moments will go down in history as the first in the reign of King Charles III, and the most important British traditions upheld in 2023.
That’s why all 5 moments have been immortalised further on five official 50p coins which will remain highly collectable long after this chapter in our history is closed.
Click here to shop the King Charles III Inaugural Year Range
One Year On: Five Facts About King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
One year has passed since the grandeur of King Charles III’s Coronation Procession swept through the streets of London, a momentous occasion that united the nation in celebration.
And as we reflect on King Charles III’s first year as King, let’s journey back to the splendour and spectacle of that unforgettable day.
Here are five facts about the impressive Coronation Procession:
It was the largest Ceremonial Military Operation in 70 years
The largest operation of its kind since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Procession in 1953, two meticulously planned Processions accompanied King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 1.42-mile route to and from Westminster Abbey.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Over 4,000 Servicemen and Women Took Part
Over 4,000 Armed Forces Personnel from at least 35 Commonwealth nations marched alongside Their Majesties during the Procession, this included representatives from The British Army, The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Household Division and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A Coronation First Took Place at Buckingham Palace
For the first time, the Procession formed up in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to give a Royal Salute and three cheers to the new King and Queen. King Charles III and Queen Camilla stepped out onto the West Terrace of the Palace to receive the salute.
The Coronation Flypast Had To Be Altered Again
The famous Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance was due to be accompanied by a spectacular six-minute flypast including more than 60 aircraft, but the plans were scaled back due to the poor weather forecast. This also happened in 1953 as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Flypast also had to be altered on the day due to poor weather conditions.
Image Credit: Ministry of Defence, OGL 3 via Wikimedia Commons
The Gold State Coach isn’t as comfortable as it may look
Their Royal Majesties travelled to the Abbey in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach and once crowned, returned to Buckingham Palace in the ornate Gold State Coach.
Queen Elizabeth II, who used the coach for her Coronation, said that the Coach might look luxurious but it was an uncomfortable ride due to the lack of suspension!
Image Credit: Amanda Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Other members of The Royal Family followed in the Australian State Coach, the Irish State Coach and the Scottish State Coach. Princess Anne rode behind the Golden State Coach on horseback as with His Majesty’s Guards.
The Ultimate Tribute To King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
Today you can own the ultimate tribute to our nation’s FIRST Coronation in OVER 70 years – The King Charles III Coronation Silver 50p Coin Bar for JUST £9.99 (+p&p) when you trial the King’s Coronation Procession Collection.
This is an extra special specification. Each coin in the collection has been carefully struck from 99.9% Pure Silver to a pristine Proof finish and despite being struck to a rectangular shape – it still carries a fifty pence denomination!
Continue collecting and you’ll build an enviable collection of stunning Silver 50ps featuring scenes taken straight from the Coronation Day!
And what’s more, each coin has been fully approved by His Majesty King Charles III himself!
Click here to secure yours for our introductory price of JUST £9.99 (+p&p) >>