World exclusive Poppy-shaped coins to raise money for The Royal British Legion
At this time of year, millions of us wear our Poppies with pride as a mark of respect to the bravery of the Armed Forces and in remembrance of those who have paid the ultimate price in the defence of their country.
The Poppy appeal is the highest-profile campaign organised each year by leading UK charity The Royal British Legion to raise funds and to highlight the care and support they provide to serving military personnel and their families.
The Westminster Collection is delighted to support the charity’s work again this year. Since 2004, sales of its commemorative coins have helped to raise over £185,000 in donations – a figure set to rise further this year.
The first ever 22 Carat Gold RBL Coin to feature a poppy textured finish
New for 2012
Issued by Jersey in a number of specifications, 2012’s stunning range includes two world exclusives – the first ever RBL Gold coin to feature a poppy textured finish plus the largest ever Poppy-shaped coin struck in ten full ounces of Sterling Silver
The world’s largest ever Poppy-shaped Coin
Jersey: pioneer of the Poppy-shaped coin
The unique Poppy-shaped coin has proved popular since it was introduced in 2008; only the designs have varied slightly. In 2008, ‘1918’ was included to mark ninety years since the end of World War I.
Similarly, the reverse of the 2011 coin featured a central ‘90’ in gold ink in recognition of The Legion’s 90th anniversary.
The £5 Silver coin from the first ever Poppy-shaped range launched in 2008
Struck to mark The Legion’s 90th anniversary
Lest we forget
The Poppy-shaped coin continues to be acollector’s favourite due to its unique shape and the money it raises for The Royal British Legion, who in its commitment to conflicts past and present, remains as relevant today as it was 90 years ago.
See The Westminster Collection’s full range of Commemorative Poppy Coins
A UK First for the 5oz Silver Proof Diamond Jubilee Coin
Just months after its release, the 5oz Silver Coin issued by The Royal Mint to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has officially sold out. It will now join an impressive list of sell-out coins from around the world struck in celebration of Her Majesty’s sixty year reign.
Snapped up quickly
News of its sell-out may however not come as too much of a surprise to collectors. The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin was issued with a worldwide mintage of just 1,952 – the year of the Queen’s accession – so demand to own one of the coveted coins has been high.
The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin – now officially sold out
Plus, while the 5oz is an established and respected format elsewhere, it’s only the second 5oz silver coin ever minted in the UK. The first UK coin in the 5oz format was also struck by The Royal Mint this year and marked the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Another Diamond Jubilee sell-out
A significant number of Diamond Jubilee coins issued by mints around the world have now completely sold out – several within a very short space of time. The Queen’s popularity and the rarity of the Diamond Jubilee have undoubtedly also added to worldwide demand.
The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin boasts a full 5 ounces of 999/1000 silver and an immaculate proof finish. The coin was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.
Stamps announced from “Middle Earth”
The first Hobbit Stamp to be revealed by New Zealand Post
New Zealand Post has given film buffs and stamp collectors an unexpected treat by revealing one of its new ‘Hobbit’ stamps ahead of the issue’s official 1st November release date.
Featuring Bilbo Baggins, the 70c stamp is part of a larger set issued to coincide with Sir Peter Jackson’s brand new ‘Hobbit’ movies. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the first film in the trilogy and is due to hit the big screens in the UK in December.
With interest in the Oscar-winning director’s latest Tolkien adaptation already mounting, this sneak preview has done much to whet the appetite of collectors everywhere – but who’s on the other stamps remains a closely guarded secret.
Following ‘The Lord of the Rings’ success
Of course, this isn’t the first time New Zealand Post has issued Tolkien stamps in conjunction with a movie blockbuster. Between 2001-2003, they produced a range of commemorative stamp issues featuring various ‘Lord of the Rings’ characters including Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir and Legolas. That trilogy was also filmed entirely on location in New Zealand.
Commemorative coins for the new ‘Hobbit’ trilogy will be issued by New Zealand Post at a later date. The second film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will follow in December 2013, with the final film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” earmarked for release in July 2014.
Dwarves or elves?
So which other Middle Earth favourites would you like to see on the new stamps?