Second World War
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.
Once the Nazis reached the closing months of the operation, they became concerned over 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
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 >>
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<<
The Rare Piece of WWII History Few People Know About…
As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June 2024, enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly seeking out military commemoratives from the era.
Amidst the rush, there exists a rare gem that only a select few are aware of, let alone possess.
It is the Hawaii Overprint Emergency Banknote issued between 1942-1944, and The Westminster Collection have a handful available today.
Read on to learn the fascinating story, what makes them so scarce, and how you can secure one.
USA – World War Two
During the tumultuous years of World War II, the United States government found itself in a precarious position following the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.
With deep concerns looming over the possibility of a full-scale invasion of Hawaii by Japan, urgent measures were needed to safeguard the American economy from potential exploitation.
To counter this threat, the US government took swift action, issuing emergency banknotes specifically for use in Hawaii. These $1 Silver certificates bore distinct markings, featuring a brown seal and prominent “HAWAII” overprints on both the front and back.
This unique design served a crucial purpose: in the event the notes were seized by enemy forces, they could be repudiated, rendering them worthless thus spoiling attempts at economic sabotage.
A Rare Piece of Military History
Issued only for two years between 1942 and 1944, these emergency banknotes are exceptionally rare, with very few surviving examples still in existence today.
Their scarcity means they rarely make appearances on the secondary market, making them highly sought-after among collectors and historians alike.
Less than 25 Available
Here at The Westminster Collection, we have managed to secure a limited number of these extraordinary artefacts.
In fact, there are less than 25 available for collectors in the UK, travelling all the way over from the States.
This represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of history that encapsulates the resilience and ingenuity of a nation during one of its darkest hours.
How to Secure Yours…
These WWII emergency banknotes offer a tangible connection to the past, serving as a poignant reminder of the unwavering spirit that prevailed during a time of global upheaval.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this remarkable history.