A Timeless Tribute to Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch

Source: The Westminster Collection Official YouTube Channel

If you’re a history enthusiast or a coin collector, there’s a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss: the chance to secure a complete collection of British Crown coins, each representing a significant moment from every decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s unparalleled 70-year reign. This collection isn’t just a series of coins; it’s a meticulously curated timeline that honours the life and legacy of a monarch who reigned through some of the most transformative times in British history.

Seven Decades of QE II - A Timeless Tribute to Britain’s Longest-Serving Monarch

Why the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a Must-Have

This remarkable collection begins with the very first commemorative Crown issued during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign—the 1953 Coronation Crown. From there, your collection will take you through seven decades of British history, with each Crown coin marking a pivotal event during the Queen’s reign. The journey concludes with the UK 2022 In Memoriam Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin, the first to feature King Charles III, symbolising the close of one chapter and the beginning of another in British monarchy history.

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A Coin for Every Decade: The Story Behind Each Crown

The Coronation Crown

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Elizabeth II’s journey as Queen began in 1952, and her Coronation was celebrated the following year with the release of the first commemorative Crown of her reign. This iconic coin features a distinctive portrait of Her Majesty on horseback, dressed in her uniform as Colonel in Chief of the Grenadier Guards.

The Churchill Commemorative Crown

The 1960s brought the passing of one of Britain’s greatest leaders, Winston Churchill. In 1965, The Royal Mint issued a Crown featuring Churchill’s portrait on the reverse, making history as the first time a non-monarch was depicted on a British coin. The obverse showcases the first official coinage portrait of Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick.

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The Silver Jubilee Crown

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The 1970s saw Britain joining the European Economic Community and Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977. To mark 25 years on the throne, The Royal Mint issued a Crown reminiscent of the 1953 Coronation Crown, featuring Coronation Regalia on the reverse and the Queen on horseback on the obverse.

The Royal Wedding Crown

In 1981, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was a momentous occasion. The Royal Mint commemorated the event with a Crown coin that, for the first time, featured three portraits: Charles, Diana, and the official portrait of Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin.

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The 40th Anniversary of the Coronation

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The 1990s brought the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. The Royal Mint issued a special Crown in 1993, featuring Mary Gillick’s original portrait of the Queen, surrounded by a circle of eight mounted trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, with the Crown of St. Edward on the reverse.

The Golden Jubilee Crown

In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee. To commemorate this milestone, The Royal Mint released a one-year-only Crown coin, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, with an equestrian portrait of the Queen that echoed the design of the 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown.

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The Prince Philip Crown

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The 2010s saw Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, stepping down from public duties in 2017. Known for his service and numerous contributions, The Royal Mint honored him with a £5 coin featuring a portrait designed by Humphrey Paget.

The In Memoriam Crown

The final coin in the collection is a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s life and legacy. Issued in 2022, this £5 coin features the last portrait of the Queen by Jody Clark, wearing the Royal Diamond Diadem Crown. The reverse marks the historic transition with the first official effigy of King Charles III.

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Assembled with precision and care, the Elizabeth II Decades Crown Collection is a rare opportunity to own a piece of British history. The collection is housed in a deluxe wooden presentation case and comes with a unique timeline certificate of authenticity, ensuring that your collection is not only preserved but also celebrated for years to come.

>>> Click here to secure your own Decades Crown Collection before it’s too late <<<

Bringing Aviation History Home – The Concorde Signed Frames

Imagine soaring through the skies aboard Concorde, where speed meets history. On October 1st, 1969, Concorde exceeded Mach 1 for the first time, marking a monumental moment in aviation history. This marvel of engineering didn’t just redefine air travel, it created legends. Now, you can bring a piece of that legendary flight into your own home with this exclusive Concorde Signed Frame.

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Each frame has been graced with the authentic signatures of ten distinguished Concorde pilots, including Captain Colin Morris, whose remarkable 28-year tenure in the cockpit exemplifies dedication and expertise.

Meet the Legends Behind the Signatures

Captain Jock Lowe

Origin: Scotland
Concorde Career: Over 25 years
Interesting Fact: Captain Jock Lowe was a prominent figure in British Airways’ Concorde operations, significantly boosting the airline’s profitability during his tenure as Director of Flight Operations. He also famously flew the Concorde in formation with a Spitfire over The White Cliffs of Dover to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

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Captain David Rowland

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over 15 years
Interesting Fact: Renowned for his engaging in-flight briefings, Captain David Rowland provided passengers with fascinating insights into the workings and history of Concorde, making each flight a memorable experience.

Captain David Studd

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: More than a decade
Interesting Fact: Captain David Studd was one of the select pilots trusted to fly the British royal family, showcasing his exceptional skill and reliability as a Concorde pilot.

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Captain Dave Leney

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Approximately 12 years
Interesting Fact: Playing a pivotal role in the final flight preparations for Concorde, Captain Dave Leney ensured the aircraft’s last journeys were executed with precision and care.

Captain Jeremy Randall

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over 10 years
Interesting Fact: Participating in several aviation documentaries, Captain Jeremy Randall shared his extensive knowledge and passion for Concorde with a broader audience.

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Captain Roger Mills

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: More than a decade
Interesting Fact: Instrumental in developing new flight procedures and training programs for Concorde pilots, Captain Roger Mills enhanced the safety and efficiency of Concorde operations.

Captain Tim Orchard

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Nearly 15 years
Interesting Fact: Captain Tim Orchard was Senior First Officer on the record-breaking Concorde flight between New York and London, achieving a flight time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.

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Captain Les Brodie

Origin: Scotland
Concorde Career: Over a decade
Interesting Fact: On August 30, 2003, Captain Les Brodie piloted G-BOAC on the last scheduled supersonic service from Barbados, marking a historic moment as the Concorde bid farewell to the Caribbean.

Captain Colin Morris

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Around 28 years
Interesting Fact: Actively involved in air shows and aviation events, Captain Colin Morris often flew Concorde for special demonstrations. He flew the Concorde to Athens to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Greek association.

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Captain Norman Britton

Origin: UK
Concorde Career: Over a decade
Interesting Fact: Captain Norman Britton was a mentor to many aspiring Concorde pilots. On April 14, 1990, he set a New York to London record with a flight time of 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 30 seconds.

The Concorde Signed Frame isn’t just a collectables, it’s a tribute to the pilots who made aviation history. Each signature tells a story of dedication, precision, and passion for flight. Bring the legacy of Concorde into your home, and relive an era when the skies echoed with the roar of supersonic travel.

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Churchill’s “V for Victory” Campaign: A Leader’s Powerful Symbol of Unity

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On July 19, 1941, Winston Churchill, our steadfast British Prime Minister, introduced a potent symbol of hope and defiance: the “V for Victory” campaign. This emblem of resistance became a rallying cry for the Allied forces and occupied Europe, showcasing Churchill’s leadership and his ability to inspire a war-torn world.

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Image credit IWM youtube video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BmyaP9Vj1U, please consider supporting Imperial War Museums at https://www.justgiving.com/iwm

The Origin of the “V” Symbol

The idea of using the letter “V” as a symbol of victory came from Victor de Laveleye, a Belgian politician and broadcaster. In January 1941, de Laveleye suggested that “V,” the first letter of “victoire” in French, “vrijheid” in Dutch, and “victory” in English, could unify those resisting the Axis powers. This simple yet profound idea quickly spread, as people across occupied Europe began marking the letter “V” in public places as a silent act of defiance.

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Image credit: IWM – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BmyaP9Vj1U

Churchill’s Leadership and Promotion of the Campaign

Churchill saw the potential of the “V” sign to inspire the public. On July 19, 1941, he endorsed the “V for Victory” campaign in a radio broadcast, urging people everywhere to adopt the symbol as a gesture of defiance and hope.

Churchill himself frequently made the “V” sign with his fingers during public appearances, creating a powerful visual connection between his leadership and the cause of victory. This gesture, captured in photographs and newsreels, became synonymous with his indomitable spirit.

The British government supported the campaign vigorously. The BBC integrated the Morse code for “V” (dot-dot-dot-dash) into its broadcasts, often using the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which matched this pattern. Posters, leaflets, badges, stickers and even cigarettes helped spread the “V for Victory” message far and wide.

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Image credit: IWM- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BmyaP9Vj1U

The Impact of Churchill’s Symbol

The “V for Victory” campaign significantly boosted morale in both occupied and free nations. For those under Nazi control, the symbol provided a sense of solidarity and hope, reminding them that liberation was possible. In Allied countries, it reinforced the resolve to support the war effort and remain united against tyranny.

The widespread use of the “V” symbol also had a psychological impact on the Axis powers, demonstrating the resilience and determination of those they sought to subdue.

Today, Churchill’s “V for Victory” campaign stands as a testament to his leadership and the power of symbols in rallying a nation. His strategic use of the “V” sign not only galvanised the war effort but also left a lasting legacy of hope and unity that continues to inspire.

Churchill’s ability to transform a simple idea into a powerful emblem of resistance and victory exemplifies his extraordinary leadership during one of history’s darkest times. The “V” sign remains a timeless symbol of the enduring human spirit and the fight for freedom.

Thank you for reading.

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