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The Operation Bernhard Banknote – is this the most unique piece of WWII history?
Operation Bernhard was the largest counterfeiting operation in history. It was a secret Nazi plot to destabilise the British economy, in which the Germans planned to flood Europe with counterfeit notes to cause artificial inflation of the British pound.
Unsurprisingly Operation Bernhard, as it was known, is remembered as one of wartime’s most over-the-top secret plots.
Please read on to learn more about this remarkable story, and how you can be one of the few collectors to secure this surviving piece of wartime history.
The Operation
In 1942, production of counterfeit British ‘White Fivers’ began behind the gates of Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Prisoners worked to perfect the process, and by 1945 it is estimated that 70,000,000 notes were printed by inmates.
But as WWII drew closer to its end and the Nazis reached the closing months of the operation, they became concerned that their fakes notes would be exposed during trials for the war crime of counterfeiting.
In an attempt to hide the evidence, the completed notes and printing equipment were sent to Austria where they were sunk into the deepest part of Lake Toplitz.
The Recovery
In 1959, the German newsmagazine “Der Stern” financed a recovery operation to retrieve the surviving banknotes. But due to the depth of the lake, only marginal quantities were recovered.
Now, 75 years after the operation began – the notes are again in the light of day.
Your chance to secure one for a deposit of £34.50 (+p&p)
There are few WWII stories as remarkable as the one of Operation Berhnard.
And in this once-in-a-lifetime Westminster first, we are offering just 50 collectors the chance to own a genuine ‘Paper Money Guarantee’ (PMG) certified ‘Operation Bernhard’ banknote recovered from the depths of Lake Toplitz.
The last time we had 50 available, they sold-out in hours.
Don’t miss out! Click here to secure your Operation Bernhard banknote >>
The National Gallery: A Journey Through Art and Time
In the bustling heart of London, the National Gallery began its life in 1824, initially occupying the former townhouse of banker John Julius Angerstein at No.100 Pall Mall. The modest beginning—with just 38 paintings—was the spark for what would grow into one of the world’s most revered art institutions. In April 1824 the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of the banker John Julius Angerstein. His 38 pictures were intended to form the core of a new national collection, for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Evolution of a Landmark
The National Gallery’s early days at No.100 Pall Mall weren’t exactly glamorous. It was small, stuffy, and constantly packed, making it a bit of an embarrassment compared to the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris. However, Agar Ellis, a trustee of the gallery, saw its location on Pall Mall as crucial, right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.
In 1832, construction started on a new building by William Wilkins, replacing the old Royal Mews in Charing Cross. Positioned between the affluent West End and less privileged areas to the east, its location was strategic. The idea was to make the collection accessible to people from all walks of life, prioritising social inclusion over concerns like city pollution or architectural flaws.
Even as the possibility of moving to South Kensington arose in the 1850s, the emphasis remained on making art available to everyone. As stated by the Parliamentary Commission of 1857, the purpose of the collection wasn’t just to display pictures, but to enrich the lives of the people, regardless of their social standing.
Today, the National Gallery is a vibrant hub for art lovers of all backgrounds. It’s diverse collection, ranging from iconic masterpieces to hidden gems, offers endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the gallery provides a welcoming environment where everyone can engage with art.
Celebrating 200 Years of Art
In recognition of its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is celebrated with a special coin designed by Edwina Ellis, known for her detailed engravings. The coin beautifully features the gallery at its center, surrounded by the inscription of the anniversary. This keepsake is not just a piece of metal but a symbol of the gallery’s enduring legacy, available in gold, silver, and uncirculated editions.
The edge of the coin bears the inscription ‘MAIORVM GLORIA POSTERIS LVMEN EST’, meaning “The glory of our ancestors is a light to our descendants.” This phrase, inscribed in the gallery’s very architecture, encapsulates the essence of the National Gallery: a portal to the past and a beacon for the future.
Explore the whole National Gallery £2 range now by clicking here >>
Celebrating National Winston Churchill Day
On April 9th, we mark National Winston Churchill Day, a moment to reflect on and celebrate one of the most iconic figures in British history.
Click here to see our range of collectables celebrating Sir Winston Churchill
Who Was Sir Winston Churchill?
Sir Winston Churchill was a British statesman and leader known for his role as Prime Minister during WWII, celebrated for his leadership, speeches, and contributions to British and global history.
Celebrate, Commemorate and Collect
To commemorate Sir Winston Churchill and his profound influence, we have an array of collectables available for all enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of collecting, National Winston Churchill Day presents a perfect occasion to secure these commemorative pieces and celebrate arguably Britain’s greatest wartime leader.
JUST £15: Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue
The design of this double thickness Piedfort issue features a specially commissioned depiction of Sir Winston Churchill along with a soaring Spitfire overhead by renowned artist, David Young.
Being double thickness, this coin weighs 50 grams– almost twice as much as the standard specification, and it has also been expertly plated in 24 Carat Gold and struck to a pristine Proof finish.
>>Get your Special Winston Churchill Piedfort issue now by clicking here<<
The Spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo
This the spectacular Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin.
Each piece has been painstakingly struck from ONE KILO of PURE SILVER to an Antique finish and a cutting edge layered technique has been applied that not only creates a three-dimensional effect but elevates each coin to a league of its own…
>>Click here to secure your Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo<<
The 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame
The 1965 Winston Churchill Crown became immensely popular and continues to be a sought-after addition to any coin collection.
And today, you can secure the stunning silver-plated edition in the popular numismatic frame, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s birth year.
>>Click here to secure your 1965 Churchill Crown Collector’s Frame<<
UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign
Issued during the year of Winston Churchill’s passing – 1965 – a historically significant Sovereign
The 1965 Sovereign is one of the most collectable classic Sovereigns due to its 22 Carat precious metal quality and significant date.
>>Click here to get your UK 1965 Winston Churchill Death Year Sovereign<<
‘Portraits of a Leader’ Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover
*** LAST 53 REMAINING ***
Featuring an official British Isles Miniature Sheet depicting rare photographs of Churchill, the stamps are carefully hand-stamped with a one-day-only commemorative postmark dated 22nd January 2015 – the stamps’ First Day of Issue.
Encapsulated within the cover are three official British Isles £5 Proof Coins that feature finely engraved portraits of Churchill – in his official army uniform during WWI and WW2, and the centre coin shows a recognisable portrait of him as a politician with his trademark bow tie.
>>Click here to secure your Churchill 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Cover<<
Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection
This exclusive set comprises four original Half Crown coins, each representing the unique, historical journey that encompasses both the life of Sir Winston Churchill and pays homage to his leadership during the tumultuous years of World War II.
But, as 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth year, the 1874 Half-Crown has become almost impossible to source.
>>Click here to secure your Winston Churchill Half Crown Collection<<