Posts Tagged ‘coin collector’
New UK £2 released featuring Ada Lovelace
When you think of the original pioneers of computer science, names like Charles Babbage and Alan Turing might come to mind.
But what if we were to tell you that there was someone else who played a pivotal role in building the foundations of modern computing – Ada Lovelace.
Nicknamed ‘The Enchantress of Numbers’ by Charles Babbage himself, Ada Lovelace is the next innovator in science to be honoured on a brand-new UK £2.
First, let me take you back…
A Mathematical Talent
Ada Lovelace was born in Victorian England and quickly gained an interest in mathematics and science. At the age of just 18, Ada’s mathematical talent secured her a working position alongside ‘The Father of Computers’ himself, Charles Babbage.
This allowed Ada to focus her work on something revolutionary: Babbage’s Analytical Engine – the first ever computer.
A Visionary of the Computer Age
At the time, Charles Babbage and other scientists only focused on the numerical and calculating abilities of the famous Analytical Engine. But, Ada Lovelace had other ideas…
She was a critical thinker and knew that the computer had the possibility to go beyond number-crunching; she interpreted the machinery further than anyone else was even considering at the time…
Ultimately, she concluded that the Analytical Engine could manipulate more than just numbers. In fact, it could be used for letters, symbols, and most importantly – instructions.
This built the foundations of modern computing as we very know it.
Ada Lovelace’s revolutionary contributions were revealed to the industry in 1843 in the form of seven ‘Notes’. In these Notes, Lovelace provided comprehension, calculations and inputs about the machine and its abilities – resulting in her title as the first ever computer programmer.
And now, to honour such a revolutionary mindset, Ada Lovelace is being celebrated on a brand-new UK £2 coin.
The Ada Lovelace £2 Coin Range
Commemorating Ada’s contributions to computer science, she’s earnt herself a well-deserved place in The Royal Mint’s popular Innovation in Science coin series.
With a design that depicts the original punch cards that were used to programme the Analytical Engine, the coin’s reverse also reads a quote from Lovelace herself – “a discoverer of the hidden realities of nature”.
What’s more, this UK £2 coin range comes in a range of specifications…
From the collector’s favourite – Brilliant Uncirculated quality – to the stunning Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort specifications, there’s something for everyone.
But be warned – with extremely low edition limits and even less for Westminster Collectors, you’ll have to act fast to secure yours!
Westminster Collection raises £1.25m for the Royal British Legion
Thank you for helping raise £1.25m for the Royal British Legion.
For nearly 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working in partnership with the Royal British Legion.
Each year we’ve created Remembrance and Poppy-themed coins and commemoratives to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
The 2022 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin 
The RBL Centenary Silver 50p Set 
The RBL Poppy Shaped Commemorative 
The RBL Centenary Gold £5 Coin 
The 2021 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2019 Gold Proof Poppy Coin 
The 2019 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The High Relief Poppy Silver Coin 
The 2018 RBL Poppy Masterpiece 
The 2017 RBL Poppy Masterpiece Coin
Through the sales of these coins and commemoratives, collectors have helped raise a remarkable £1.25 MILLION for the Royal British Legion!
We are extremely proud of this achievement, and hugely thankful to our collectors raised such an incredible amount.
In addition to raising funds for RBL over the years, we’ve also had the opportunity to find out more about their incredible work for the Armed Forces Community.
And earlier this month, when we presented RBL with a cheque for £1.25 million, we had the pleasure of meeting Robert Benham, Regional Lead – Admiral Nursing – Hampshire.
Delivered in partnership with Dementia UK, Admiral Nurses give one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and their carers. The effects of dementia can be devastating for the whole family, but Admiral Nurses help to ease the burden and reassure families that they are not alone.
Where do your donations go?
£1.25 million raised by The Westminster Collection for the Royal British Legion could enable it’s dedicated frontline advisors to help over 7,590 people in the Armed Forces community and their families get access to the help that they need.
Every day, RBL Case Officers provide practical and emotional one-to-one support, helping Serving and ex-Serving personnel, and their families, to get the help they deserve. The needs of the Armed Forces community are becoming more complex and can include a wide range of issues such as employment, finances, or housing; RBL Case Officers are ready to help and advise whatever the issue.
The funds raised by The Westminster Collection can help people like Lawrence.
Following seven years in the Army, Lawrence was medically discharged after injuring his spine whilst weightlifting.
After an exemplary military career Lawrence found himself struggling to adapt to civilian life.
To help Lawrence get the support he needed his fiancée Danielle advised him to get in touch with the Royal British Legion.
He was contacted by one of the RBL’s local Case Officers, Paul James, who was able to get Lawrence the mental health support he needed.
In December 2020, when Lawrence was unable to work due to Covid-19, his debt suddenly spiralled by almost 400%. But the RBL’s Benefits, Debt and Money Advice team (BDMA) were able to help.
Lawrence said: “They [the RBL] have helped me sort out both my mental health and my financial health. I’m debt-free and looking forward to starting a new career, I cannot thank them enough.”
To find out more about the Royal British Legion, click here.
What’s next for our partnership?
We’re excited to see our longstanding partnership with the Royal British Legion continue later this year when we’ll be launching the latest additions to our Official RBL Poppy coins and commemoratives range.
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King Charles III awards Maundy Money for the first time as reigning monarch
Maundy Thursday is an Easter tradition that dates back to 1622 during the reign of Charles II. The tradition involves the monarch gifting members of the public special coins as part of a special ceremony.
His Majesty attends his first Maundy Service as King
Today, King Charles III attended his first Maundy service as reigning monarch at York Minster. Hundreds of people lined the streets approaching the Minster, many arriving before 7am to get a front row spot.
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
The King and Queen Consort, Camilla arrived at the cathedral around 11am and preceded to award specially minted coins to 148 people in recognition of their work for their church and community. The service concluded with the national anthem and a blessing.
What coins were awarded?
The coins awarded included a white purse containing silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King. Also awarded was a red purse containing two commemorative coins.
Credit: The Royal Family on Twitter
This year, the commemorative coins gifted were a £5 coin issued to celebrate His Majesty’s upcoming 75th birthday and a 50p coin marking the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation. Both of these coins featured in the 2023 Annual Coin Set, which caused record breaking sell outs at the Royal Mint.
Within just 16 minutes of release, the Silver Proof and Silver Piedfort specifications of the 2023 Annual Set were no longer available to order at The Royal Mint. Other premium limited specifications sold out in less than an hour.
The 2023 Annual Coin Sets are still available in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, secure yours here >>
Queen’s Reign coin honours traditional Maundy money
The 2022 Queen’s Reign £5 coin honouring Charity and Patronage featured a design of traditional Maundy money. This represented Queen Elizabeth II’s advocacy and support of more than 600 charities across the UK and Commonwealth during her incredible 70 year reign.
Secure yours in Brilliant Uncirculated quality >>
