Military
BEHIND THE DESIGN: The hidden features in the Winston Churchill £2 Set
Remembered as Britain’s legendary wartime leader, a Nobel Prize winning author and a passionate painter… Sir Winston Churchill wore many “hats” in his long and varied life.
And these are some of his roles and responsibilities that have been thoughtfully honoured with the BRAND NEW Sir Winston Churchill £2 Coin Set.
Watch our video below to discover the story behind each design in this special collection – including some special hidden features!
Already in HIGH DEMAND with collectors, each design by David Young reflects on Churchill’s undeniable legacy…
The Leader
His most famous role, Churchill is best known for leading Great Britain during World War II, where his indomitable spirit and strategic foresight rallied the British people and helped to navigate the challenges of war. David’s design shows Churchill making his famous “V for Victory” gesture…
The Writer
Churchill was a prolific writer, penning several historical accounts and memoirs. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953 and that very prize can be seen in David’s design.
The Orator
Renowned for his powerful and stirring oratory, Churchill delivered some of the most memorable speeches in history, such as the “We shall fight them on the beaches” speech and a famous line from that very speech is inscribed as part of the coin’s design.
The Painter
In his later years, Churchill found solace in painting, producing over 500 works of art under the pseudonym “Charles Morin”. Churchill’s passion for painting helped him with his depression, which he referred to as his “Black Dog”. David’s design shows a black dog sat alongside Churchill as he’s painting another masterpiece.
The Patriarch
Despite his demanding career, Churchill maintained a close relationship with his family. He was devoted to his wife, Clementine and his children. David’s design shows Churchill alongside four of his children. Churchill is also holding a Marigold – in a touching tribute to his daughter Marigold who died as a child.
The Winston Churchill BU £2 Set
Available exclusively from The Westminster Collection, you can place your reservation today for JUST £64.95 (+p&p). £2 coin sets are often highly sought-after with collectors and considering the importance of this release – perfectly honouring one of World War II’s most important figures on the 80th anniversary of D-Day – this has the makings of an all-time great.
Click here to secure the BRAND NEW Sir Winston Churchill BU £2 Set >>
BRAND NEW: UK D-Day 50p REVEALED
2024 marks 80 years since brave allied forced landed on Normandy Beaches in one of the largest military operations in history.
D-Day turned the tide in the second world war, and today, its monumental 80th anniversary is being commemorated on a brand-new UK 50p coin.
Check out the coin below and use our interactive map to discover the intricate design…
Carefully curated by sculptor and artist, David Lawrence, in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, the coin’s reverse design is the perfect tribute to time that will soon move beyond living memory.
In fact, it is likely one of the last anniversaries where veterans and their families can still honour an incredible moment in British history.
The landings themselves took place at five assault beaches along a 50 mile stretch of the Normandy Coast. They were given the codenames of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – all of which are inscribed on the bottom of the design.
The coin is available in a range of specifications, including superior Brilliant Uncirculated and limited-edition Silver Proof and Piedfort.
However, some of the most special issues are without a doubt the postmarked coins.
Carefully paired alongside a 1st Class Royal Mail stamp, each cover and DateStamp™ will be postmarked on the 80th Anniversary date, 6th June 2024, and are available for pre-order today.
🎖️ Honouring Heroes: The Enduring Legacy of D-Day Veterans
As we near the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant military operations in history. The Westminster Collection, in partnership with the Royal British Legion, brings to light the stories of four veterans whose bravery exemplifies the spirit of that day. Their personal accounts offer us a window into the past, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of 6th June, 1944, are never forgotten.
Bernard Morgan – The Young Visionary of Gold Beach
Bernard Morgan was only 19 when he landed on Gold Beach as an RAF sergeant, making him one of the youngest sergeants to participate in the Normandy invasion. His task began perilously as he manned a Bren gun aboard his landing craft at 3 AM, ready to fend off any aerial attacks. The harsh reality of war struck him deeply as he witnessed the bodies of Allied troops upon his landing—a sight that profoundly affected him and stayed with him for the rest of his life. Bernard still possesses a significant piece of history: the original telex announcing the German surrender, a document he kept secret for over 50 years. His reflections on the importance of remembrance, particularly through the symbol of the poppy, resonate with his belief in acknowledging the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades.
Albert Price – From Operation Smash to Normandy Shores
Albert Price’s wartime journey began with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in 1942, two years before he would set foot on Gold Beach as an 18-year-old gunner. His experience in Operation Smash at Studland Bay, a rehearsal that tragically cost lives, foreshadowed the brutal realities of war he would face. On D-Day, Albert landed amid a storm of artillery, a memory etched in his mind for its intensity and the pride he felt in being part of such a monumental event. The personal losses he endured, and his skirmish with the 12th Panzer division, where he witnessed the severe injury of his driver, underscore the brutal costs of war.
Jack Mortimer – The Reluctant Hero of Sword Beach
Jack Mortimer vividly recounts the daunting scenario as he landed on Sword Beach, surrounded by a massive assembly of ships, vehicles, tanks, and artillery. His role as a driver and dispatch rider for the 12th Ordnance Beach detachment thrust him directly into the line of fire, navigating through a storm of shells to advance towards Caen. The threat of snipers and the sight of numerous casualties painted a stark picture of the day’s grim realities. Despite the heroism he displayed, Jack humbly remembers the fallen as the true heroes and shares the emotional burden of returning to the beaches where he saw so much loss.
Joe Mines – The Unseen Bravery of Mine Clearing
Joe Mines’ story of being thrust into the role of mine clearer due to his surname is both ironic and tragic. Tasked with clearing mines from Ver-sur-Mer using only bayonets, Joe faced the terrifying prospect of triggering mines intended to cause maximum damage, like the wooden Schu-mines or the deadly S-mines, which projected ball bearings at waist height. The vivid memories of his comrades falling shortly after landing highlight the random and brutal nature of war. His later years spent promoting the Poppy Appeal helped him find a sense of pride and healing, recognising the value of his survival and contributions.
Reflecting on Their Legacy
The personal stories of Bernard, Albert, Jack, and Joe not only provide a human perspective to the historical event of D-Day but also emphasise the broader themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of their actions. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary, these personal accounts remind us of the high price of freedom and the importance of peace.
These veterans represent a generation whose courage and resilience shaped the course of history. Let us honour their memory and ensure that their stories inspire future generations to value peace, remember the past, and uphold the virtues of bravery and sacrifice.
An exclusive new release for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
You can directly support veterans while collecting with the brand-new RBL D-Day Anniversary Commemorative. With each purchase of the commemorative we will ensure a 10% donation is made to The Royal British Legion on your behalf.
Produced in partnership with The Royal British Legion, your commemorative features a dynamic cut-out silhouette of a soldier, stepping forward, rifle aimed – this impressive feature has been created with an innovative minting technique, perfectly capturing the importance of the theme.
All those who fought bravely on the beaches of Normandy are represented by the silhouette, providing a window into the past. A past filled with incredible bravery that deserves to be honoured with a fitting tribute.