Posts Tagged ‘british royalty’
A Journey into Supersonic History with Chief Concorde Engineer John Britton
Commemorating Concorde’s Final Flight
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the world of supersonic aviation history? Well, I recently had the chance to turn that dream into reality as I embarked on a thrilling adventure to the Bristol Aerospace Museum. This journey wasn’t just about wandering through exhibits, it was about commemorating the 20th anniversary of the final flight of the world-famous supersonic aircraft, Concorde.
I jumped at the opportunity to take our brand new Concorde commemoratives on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot 216 G-BOAF.
On Board Concorde G-BOAF
As I set foot on the Concorde, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of a lifelong dream coming true. The sleek lines, the aviation marvel that once ruled the skies—it was all there beneath my feet. But this adventure wasn’t just about being on board; it was about delving into the heart of Concorde’s legacy.
The highlight of my day? An exclusive interview with none other than Concorde’s Chief Engineer, John Britton. Imagine having the opportunity to pick the brain of the mastermind behind this supersonic aircraft.
Behind the Scenes: Exclusive Interview with Chief Engineer John Britton
The stories, the facts, and the rich history he shared with me were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Britton’s insights transported me back in time, painting a vivid picture of Concorde’s glory days. From the engineering marvels that defined its success to the intricate details of its final flight.
As I listened to Britton, I couldn’t help but marvel at John’s passion and engineering brilliance that helped bring Concorde to life.
Leaving the museum that day, I carried with me not just the commemoratives that had traveled on Concorde’s final journey but a newfound appreciation for the legacy of supersonic travel. The Bristol Aerospace Museum had transformed a casual visit into a journey through time.
I urge you to step into the world of Bristol Aerospace Museum and witness this iconic aircraft for yourself.
Witness a Historic Royal First by the Sovereign!
The brand-new UK 2024 Sovereign has just been revealed by the Royal Mint.
But what is the Sovereign?
When it comes to coins, few carry the weight of history and prestige quite like the Sovereign. From its humble beginnings in the late 15th century to its role as a symbol of British monetary stability and the grandeur of the British Empire, the story of the Sovereign coin is a fascinating journey through time. Join us as we explore the captivating history of this iconic gold coin in the video below.
The Birth of a Regal Coin:
The story of the Sovereign coin begins in 1489 during the reign of King Henry VII. This remarkable coin was aptly named the “Sovereign” and carried a face value of one pound. It featured a regal portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other. This early version of the Sovereign set the stage for the coin’s enduring legacy.
The Tudor Period and Fluctuating Fortunes:
During the Tudor period, the Sovereign coin went through a series of changes in size and design. It was minted under various monarchs and experienced periods of discontinuation and revival, reflecting the turbulent political and economic landscape of the time.
The Great Recoinage of 1816:
The real turning point in the history of the Sovereign coin came during the reign of King George III. In 1816, a momentous event known as the Great Recoinage took place in the United Kingdom. It was here that the Sovereign received its iconic design featuring St. George slaying the dragon, a masterful creation by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This marked the resurgence of the Sovereign as a symbol of British monetary stability and the reach of the British Empire.
A Star in the Gold Standard:
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Sovereign played a starring role in the international gold standard. Under this system, currencies were linked to a fixed quantity of gold, and Sovereigns were internationally recognised and accepted. They were both a symbol of British power and a vehicle for international trade.
The End of an Era:
The golden age of the Sovereign coin gradually faded with the dawn of the 20th century. The upheaval of World War I and the changing global economic landscape saw the United Kingdom officially abandon the gold standard in 1931. Gold coins, including the Sovereign, ceased to circulate.
A Collector’s Treasure:
Though no longer in everyday use, the Sovereign coin remains a beloved and coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Royal Mint continues to produce gold Sovereigns in various designs and sizes, making it a timeless piece of numismatic history.
This years production of the 2024 Sovereign combines Pistrucci’s timeless design with the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, meticulously created by Martin Jennings, for the first time ever.
Could you be hiding a small fortune in the attic?
I am sure we have all dreamt of stumbling across a dusty old stamp collection or long forgotten silver coin secretly worth a small fortune hiding somewhere in the house.
Unfortunately I am yet to stumble across my fortune in the attic, but this dream recently came true for a grandmother from Hull when she found a 1644 Oxford Crown in her late grandfather’s coin collection.
The reverse of the Silver-plated Charles I Oxford Replica coin, depicts Charles I on horseback with the City of Oxford in the background.
While clearing out her attic she found a shoebox of coins she had inherited from her grandfather decades ago. She initially offered the collection to her children, who rejected what they saw as ‘worthless junk’.
She then considered binning her collection of relics, before making the decision to have the coins valued along with a number of other family heirlooms.
That’s when she discovered that amongst her collection was the incredibly rare 1644 Charles I Oxford Silver Crown. This coin was struck for just one year and is considered by many numismatic experts to be one of the most beautiful British coins ever produced.
Struck in 1644, this crown was minted while the country was in the midst of a Civil War. The coin features a portrait of King Charles I on horseback placed against a fantastic rendition of the City of Oxford which was his headquarters during the English Civil War.
King Charles I. Monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland from March 1625 until his execution in January 1649.
It is no wonder that this coin is so highly valued. It is incredibly rare, the design is one of the most intricate ever struck on a British coin and it marks one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history – the English Civil War.
The historic coin is expected to reach in excess of £100,000 at auction and the owner plans to use the money to help her granddaughter, currently expecting her first child, to fund a house deposit.
I think it’s time for me to have another dig around in the attic!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
If you’re interested…
For those not planning on bidding in the auction for this exceptionally rare coin, we have a limited stock of just 36 Silver-plated replicas available of the beautiful 1644 Oxford Crown. Click here to find out more >>>
