Coins
The Battle of the Atlantic £2 Coin Set
The Battle of the Atlantic was a pivotal campaign during the Second World War, spanning from 1939 to 1945. It was the longest-lasting battle of the entire conflict, and 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of a crucial turning point known as ‘Black May.’ During this period, 25 percent of the German U-boat fleet was destroyed, signalling a significant shift in the tide of the war. To honour this historic event, a special three-coin Brilliant Uncirculated £2 set has been released.
Use the interactive image below to explore this brand new set and witness a Battle in the Atlantic.
Three Unique Designs
Renowned coin artist David Lawrence has crafted three distinct designs for this special set, each depicting a crucial moment from the Battle of the Atlantic. These designs not only serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices made by those who participated but also as an educational tool, reminding us of the importance of this historical event. Each coin tells a story.
CONVOY
Merchant ships are being targeted by a U-boat. You can see the periscope viewfinder as part of the design. By May 1945, in the Atlantic alone, over 2,200 British and Allied merchant ships had been sunk, totalling well over 13 million tons, as well as 100 Allied naval vessels and 600 RAF Coastal Command aircraft. Of these ships, no less than 2003 had been sunk by U-boats.
MAP
This design shows a map of the shipping lane main routes. There are silhouettes of the ships and U-boats; it also shows the key action zones during the ongoing battle.
LIFEBOAT
The third coin depicts a scene of destruction where a U-boat has succeeded. A lifeboat is picking up survivors from the wreck as the burning ship sinks in the background.
The coins in this set have been struck to a superior Brilliant Uncirculated quality. This means they are in pristine condition, free from the wear and tear found on circulating coins.
To preserve the quality of these commemorative coins for generations to come, they are presented in a stunning presentation pack. This protective housing not only adds to their visual appeal but also safeguards them from potential damage.
By owning this set, you not only possess a piece of history but also contribute to preserving the memory of those who fought valiantly during this critical campaign of World War II. Don’t miss the opportunity to reserve yours today and honour the heroes of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Monnaie de Paris’ Coronation Gift to King Charles III: A Solid Gold Medal
In 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II acceded the throne, the President of the French Republic – Vincent Auriol – gifted her a special Coronation present: a pure Gold medal.
There was just one produced worldwide, and it was struck in the workshops of Monnaie de Paris.
And in the Coronation year of King Charles III, President Emmanuel Macron asked for the tradition be continued for His Majesty.
So, over 70 years later, Monnaie de Paris have curated a special Gold medal as a Coronation present for the King.
A Golden Gift: The Coronation Medal
The Chief General Engraver of Monnaie de Paris, Joaquin Jimenez, was elected to design the medal, turning his hand to what he said to be an “immense honour”.
Conforming to the tradition, Jimenez decided to depict King Charles III’s portrait facing to the left, the opposite side to Elizabeth II.
This unique portrait of King Charles III on the medal’s obverse presents His Majesty wearing his Navy Uniform.
The reverse design innovatively captures the intricacy of Highgrove House, where King Charles III mostly resides. The Royal Cypher also features, thoughtfully set against intertwining ivy which is symbolic of His Majesty’s affiliation for the Gordon Highlanders.
The Royal State Visit
The medal was presented to His Majesty King Charles III by President Emmanuel Macron on the King’s Royal State Visit to France.
The three-day visit began with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe where a flypast from the Red Arrows and the French Air Force counterparts marked alliance between the two nations.
The King and President Macron went on to lay a wreath at the Eternal Flame, symbolising the endless sacrifices of French and British troops.
Monnaie de Paris’ Gift to Collectors…
But despite there being just one medal in the possession of King Charles III, Monnaie de Paris also wanted to create a gift for collectors too.
They designed and crafted replicas of the exact medal gifted to His Majesty, struck from solid Bronze.
And The Westminster Collection have been given worldwide exclusivity to sell them.
But just a limited number are available, so click here to secure the Bronze Replica Medal >>
Celebrating the Women Who Shaped History: The Suffragettes
The 19th century saw many political changes, but there was always one constant: women were not allowed to vote in national elections.
It took decades and many different campaign groups to raise awareness of the inequality. In fact, it wasn’t until 1918 that women over thirty were granted the right to vote.
But now, over 100 years later, we can reflect on the brave work of the Suffragettes who have shaped the modern world into what is today.
Read on to learn about the importance of the Suffragettes movement and how you can preserve their story for generations to come with this Historic Collection…
Who were the Suffragettes and What Did They Do?
Following the 1867 vote, the London Society for Women’s Suffrage was formed to peacefully protest for the right for women’s votes. In 1897, their group expanded to form the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). This campaign group was led by Millicent Fawcett, the sister of Elizabeth Garrett-Anderson, the first female doctor in the UK.
After little success from both groups, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvie, formed the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. They became known as the Suffragettes, as they used harsher, more direct tactics to raise awareness.
The movement saw great success, granting women over thirty the right to vote as part of the Representation of the People Act in 1918.
The SELL-OUT Royal Mint Coins
In 2003, The Royal Mint issued a Silver Proof 50p coin to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Women’s Social and Political Union.
Even with an edition limit of 15,000, they all swiftly sold-out at The Mint.
Following this success, The Royal Mint issued a new UK 50p in 2018, this time marking 100 years since the passing of the Representation of the People Act, and it was just as popular.
In fact, all of the 2018 Representation of the People Act 50p coin specifications are no longer available at The Mint.
But today, you can secure BOTH coins in a complete Suffragettes collection alongside an extra special historic coin…
The Historic 1918 Half Crown
Also included in this Suffragettes Historic Collection is a genuine UK 1918 Half Crown. Struck from Sterling Silver, this coin was issued in the year that the Representation of the People Act was passed.
But, considering this coin was also struck in the final year of World War One, they are extremely scarce and rarely appear on the secondary market.
Suffragettes Memorabilia
But this collection doesn’t stop there, as this historic set also houses replicas of Suffragettes memorabilia, truly transporting you back to the time when women made history.
Whether it’s a 1915 Votes for Women newspaper, Suffragettes Membership card, jail letter, a relic of Emily Davidson’s tragic demise at Epsom, or even the flyer of the Buckingham Palace protest – these replicas capture the most poignant moments of the Suffragettes movement.
Secure yours Suffragettes Collection NOW!
Considering these coins are either no longer available to buy from the Mint or extremely hard to source on the secondary market, this collection was nearly impossible to create.
And with just 41 remaining, this is one you don’t want to miss out on.