Royal Inspiration: The Story Behind the King Charles III 75th Birthday Coin Design – An Interview with Renowned Heraldic Artist, Mike Guilfoyle

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes encounter with a true artistic genius. Join us as we delve into an exclusive interview with renowned artist, Mike Guilfoyle. In this captivating interview, we’ll uncover the intricacies and insights behind his latest masterpiece– the King Charles III 75th Birthday Coin. Prepare to be enchanted by the inspiration, craftsmanship, and intricate details that make these coins a work of art, all revealed by the visionary behind the design.

You can explore the key features of the King Charles III 75th Birthday Coins, by clicking on the white dots on the interactive image below:

Click here to explore the whole King Charles III 75th Birthday Coin Range>>>

“We retraced the steps of the Dambusters”. How these pilots raised thousands for the RBL.

Last month we travelled to Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset to meet two pilots who have raised thousands for the Royal British Legion.

Jason Davidson and Simon Shackell flew in specially to tell us all about a remarkable challenge they took on in May.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, they undertook a commemorative flight to recognise the technical skills, ingenuity and courage of those who conducted the legendary air operation.  

And in doing so, they have already raised over £3,000 for the Royal British Legion!

Watch below as we meet Jason and Simon, who tell us about the challenge and why they chose to raise funds for the RBL.

We were delighted to gift Jason and Simon a 2023 Royal British Legion Poppy® Silver Proof £5 each as well as the FINAL 2023 Poppy® Silver Masterpiece Coin to be struck to honour their achievements and thank them for their fundraising efforts…

Watch the interview and gifting in full below or read on to find out more about Jason and Simon’s story…

Click here to view Jason and Simon’s fundraising page >>


Jason and Simon’s Story

Both Simon and Jason have a close connection to the military – Jason served in the Parachute Regiment for over 22 years and his twin brother was also in the RAF. Simon’s father was a navigator in the RAF during National Service.

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Jason and Simon took on the challenge to honour the skill shown by the 617 Squadron.

They took on the challenge as they were inspired by the bravery and skill that the 617 Squadron showed. Simon said that the idea was to “champion the engineering aspect” as well as the airmanship. “It really struck home how difficult that would have been, and how dangerous. The airmanship was what blew me away”, Jason said.

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As part of the commemorative flight they passed over 8 locations with links to the Dambusters, including Chesil Beach in Dorset.

On 16th May 2023, the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, Jason and Simon began their challenge – departing from the RAF St Athan airfield site on a mission to pass over 8 locations:

  • Chesil Beach, Dorset – testing location for the “bouncing bomb”
  • Reculver Bay, Kent – testing location for the “bouncing bomb”
  • East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre, Lincolnshire – a unique living museum to the Dambusters and home of ‘Just Jane’.
  • Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire – home of the Dambusters Memorial
  • RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire – the wartime base of the 617 Squadron and location where the Raid was launched
  • Derwent Dam, Sheffield – a location closely resembling the Möhne Dam where the Dambusters practiced for the Raid.
  • Nant-y-Gro Dam, Rhayader – the site where Barnes Wallis successfully demonstrated the concept of the depth charge mine.
  • Penarth, Glamorgan – the site of Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s memorial and his wartime home.

Jason and Simon conducted each flight using only maps, stopwatches and compasses to navigate as the Dambusters did.

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Jason and Simon used only maps, stopwatches and compasses to navigate as the Dambusters did.

You can find out more about the challenge and donate here >>


The 2023 Official RBL Poppy® Coin Range

For nearly 20 years, The Westminster Collection has released coins in support of the Royal British Legion – and collectors have raised over £1.25 million for the RBL.

The 2023 coin range is available to order now but with stock selling fast, you’ll need to act today to secure your tribute…

RBL BLOG IMAGES - “We retraced the steps of the Dambusters”. How these pilots raised thousands for the RBL.

Prices start from JUST £25 (+p&p) – Click here to view the range >>

Crafting History in Art: Exclusive Interview with Steve Wyse – The Creative Mind Behind The History of British Railways £2 Sets

Prepare to be transported into the world of artistic ingenuity as we present a captivating interview with Steve Wyse, an esteemed Honorary Member of the Guild of Railway Artists. Join us in exploring the creative process, inspiration, and meticulous attention to detail that culminated in the exquisite designs gracing the freshly minted History of British Railways £2 Sets, creating a bridge between history and numismatic art.

Tracing Tracks: Unveiling the History of British Railways BU and Silver £2 Coin Sets

In the annals of British history, the year 1923 marks a pivotal moment that reshaped the nation’s railway landscape forever. A convergence of 120 regional railway companies gave rise to four prominent entities, as a result of the Railway Act of 1921.

Now, in a splendid tribute to this transformative event, special Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver Proof £2 Coin sets have been issued.

This extraordinary coin collection stands as a tribute to an era when steam and steel connected cities, fuelled the Industrial Revolution, and united the kingdom.

Click the circles below to find out more about the design and the sets:

Each gleaming £2 coin encapsulates the essence of a bygone era, immortalising five of the most iconic locomotives that once traversed the British countryside. Encased in special presentation packs, these coins are elevated by the artistic brilliance of Steve Wyse, an Honorary Member of the Guild of Railway Artists. Through his skillful renderings, the spirit of each locomotive comes alive, inviting you to relive the golden age of rail travel.

But for those who seek the pinnacle of numismatic excellence, we invite you to take a step further. Behold the History of British Railways Silver Proof £2 Coin Set—a masterpiece that merges history, artistry, and exclusivity.

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Image showcasing the five Silver Proof £2 Coins, struck from Sterling Silver with selective 24ct gold-plating.

Limited to just 295 sets worldwide and meticulously struck from Sterling Silver, each coin has been crafted with precision and minted to perfection. These sterling silver coins are a stunning homage to the railway heritage.

Each coin is a portal to the past, an ode to innovation, and a salute to the journeys that shaped a nation. Choose your piece of history and become a guardian of the tracks that connect the past to the present.

Click here to explore the range >>