Coins
The coins struck with WWII bullets collected from the battlefield…
When I first heard the story behind the 1955 4 Paisa coins I could hardly believe it. They’re genuinely some of the most incredible coins I’ve ever seen.
The Nepalese 4-Paisa coin was minted from spent brass World War II rifle bullet casings left by the famous Gurkha soldiers.
This is the fascinating story behind their minting…
The story of these coins originates from the battlefields of Asia. After the war in the East was over, a General in the Nepalese army discovered a number of empty cartridge cases that had been stored in a government unit behind Tangal Palace in Kathmandu.
These used rifle cartridges came from Gurkha and Nepalese soldiers fighting for the Allies on the Assam and Burma fronts where they had valiantly battled the Japanese. Although it is not clear by whom or for what purpose the used cartridges had been collected from the WWII battlefields, it seems that they had been forgotten and left to rust.
It’s incredible that these pieces of history could simply be forgotten, so the General decided to find a way of paying tribute to the soldiers who had left them behind.
It just so happened that the General who discovered these casings was related to the head of the Government Mint in Nepal. The General suggested to the Mint that these used cartridges should be struck into coins as a way of paying homage to the Gurkha soldiers.
Gurkhas advance through a smokescreen up a steep slope, 16 March 1943 
Gurkhas in action with a 6-pdr anti-tank gun, 16 March 1943
So, in 1955 the 4 Paisa coin was duly minted from these very cartridge shells which had once been in the middle of the intense fighting of WWII. They now stand as a lasting tribute to the brave Gurkha regiment that fought so valiantly for the Allies.
And what’s more, they also hold huge significance as a numismatic collector’s piece. As the number of empty shells was extremely limited, these incredible coins were issued for just one-year-only before the supply was completely exhausted.
The story behind these coins is incredible – not only were they struck from genuine bullet shells, but were also minted to pay tribute to one of the most highly respected fighting forces in the world.
If you’re interested…
Today you have the chance to own one of these Gurkha Bullet coins for JUST £24.99 (+p&p). Act now to secure this incredible piece of history for your collection!
Discover 200 years of fascinating UK silver coins…
British coinage has had its fair share of fascinating tales over the years. When searching for coins, I’m always seeking to find classic coins whose numismatic interest and history mean that they will forever be sought-after pieces.
Which is why, with the help of my UK coin specialist, I’ve decided to narrow down what I believe to be six of the most interesting and collectable UK historic silver coins issued over the past 200 years.
Read below to discover the stories of six coins that cover some of the most important events in British numismatic history – including influential design changes, mistaken introductions and controversial issues.
The Great Recoinage Shilling – George III Bull Head Silver Sixpence
1816 marked one of the most important moments in the history of British coinage – The Great Recoinage. For Georgian Britain, it was a change as big as Decimalisation for you or me. The George III Bull Head Sixpence was introduced as part of an attempt to re-stabilise the currency following economic difficulties caused by both the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and marks one of the most important moments in British numismatic history.
The Coin of the Colonies – Victoria Silver Three Halfpence
During the 1800s demand grew for British coinage from all across the globe, with over 25% of the world’s population using coins bearing Queen Victoria’s portrait. The British three halfpence was a silver coin produced for circulation in the British colonies with a denomination which had never been seen in mainland Britain before. What makes this coin so interesting is that it has no indication of what country it was minted for, which meant that it could be used across most of the globe!
The Longest ‘Reigning’ Portrait – Victoria Young Head Shilling
The first effigy to feature on Queen Victoria’s coinage was the Young Head portrait featuring a particularly youthful and charming portrait of the young Queen. The Victoria Shilling featured the Young Head portrait from 1839 to 1887, which is the longest period a single portrait has ever featured on a British circulation coin.
The Withdrawn Sixpence Pair – 1887 Victoria Silver Sixpences
In 1887, new coin designs were issued to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Surprisingly, the new design of the Silver Sixpence shared the same design as the Gold Half Sovereign. Of course, it didn’t take long for crafty opportunists to start coating the Silver Sixpence in gold paint and passing them off as the far more valuable Half Sovereign. The authorities hastily withdrew the Sixpence and a quick redesign took place with ‘SIX PENCE’ written across the middle of the coin.
The Rocking Horse Crown – 1935 George V Silver Crown
The ‘Rocking Horse’ Crown was issued for just one-year-only in 1935 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of George V. Significantly, this special Silver Jubilee Crown was the first-time a commemorative crown was ever struck and started what is now one of the most popular numismatic collecting trends ever seen. Despite its significance, this coin caused controversy when it was first issued, with many traditionalists disliking the art deco reinterpretation of the iconic St. George and the Dragon design.
Each of these coins has unique story that makes them all must haves for any collector with an interest in historic UK coins. We’re certainly lucky to live in a nation with such a rich numismatic history!
However, these coins are now historic artefacts in their own right, and considering that many have been melted down over the past two centuries for their valuable silver content, they are now extremely rare.
I’m sure you’ll agree, that considering the fantastic history along with the scarcity of all six of these coins, they can all be considered amongst the most interesting and collectable UK Silver coins of the past 200 years.
If you’re interested…
Understandably, it is extremely difficult to build up a stock of these fascinating coins. But working with my extensive network of suppliers, I have been able to put together 22 sets of these iconic silver coins to now offer to my collectors. But with such limited numbers available you will need to act now if you want to add these fascinating coins to your collection.
BREAKING NEWS: The coin of 2018 is revealed…
Back in December we asked our collectors what their favourite Collector’s Gallery coin of 2018 was.
The votes are in and we can now reveal that Collector’s Gallery coin of 2018 is…
The Bumble Bee and Bloom 5oz Fine Silver Proof Coin
The Bumble Bee and Bloom 5oz Fine Silver Proof Coin
This stunning coin received an incredible 44% of the vote, and it’s not hard to see why. We released a lot of coins in 2018 and this one’s certainly our favourite, as well as the collectors!
It has so many incredible WORLD FIRST features. From it’s amazing interactive component: a moveable bumble bee that spins around the bloom using gyroscopic technology to the rose-gold plated bloom and the bumble bee, which itself has been specially gold plated. It truly is a work of art.
Struck from 5oz. of .9999 Silver and sized at a huge 62.25mm, The Bumble Bee and Bloom coin is certain to become the centerpiece of any collection.
It’s not just captured the attention of our collectors, but also the world. So much so that it’s completely SOLD OUT at the Royal Canadian Mint. With that in mind, we don’t expect our very limited stock to be available for much longer.
So if you want to add the Collector’s Gallery of 2018 to your collection, click here >>
The Official Star Wars Ultra High Relief Death Star Silver 2oz Coin
In second place with 22% of the vote is The Official Star Wars Ultra High Relief Death Star Silver 2oz Coin.
This officially licensed Star Wars Silver coin provides the ultimate collector’s item for any Star Wars fan.
Featuring an incredibly detailed depiction of the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, this unique 2oz fine silver coin has been finished to a Proof standard, with an ultra-high relief and concave design.
We have a broad selection of commemoratives available in our Star Wars range, but this new release is definitely stand outs out as an unrivalled Star Wars commemorative in the Collectors world.
Click here to find out more >>
The High Relief Day of the Dead Skull Silver 1oz Coin
Finally, in third place is sure to send a shiver down your spine… it’s The High Relief Day of the Dead Skull Silver 1oz Coin.
The third release in the Skulls coin series, the Day of the Dead Silver Skull coin is struck using the most innovative of modern minting techniques to create the incredible 3D effect and fine detail of the elaborate calavera designs. Struck from 1oz of fine silver with an antique finish, this coin has to be seen to be believed.
Click here to find out more >>
If you’re interested…
You can secure Collector’s Gallery coin of 2018, as voted for by you – the collector, by clicking here >>