Posts Tagged ‘numismatics’
Globalisation – the coin that launched it all…
The 1739 ‘Spanish Silver Trade Dollar’.
While I was watching “Civilisations” on the Beeb last week they mentioned how the introduction of the Trade Dollar was the first step in globalisation – this got me thinking, so I made a cup of tea and looked into the history of the Trade Dollar and it truly is a fascinating tale.
Way back in the 16th Century, the first trading currency came to be because of the popularity of the silver Spanish dollar (better known as pieces of eight – yes those!) in China and they created the “Dragon Dollar” or “Silver Dragon” which were not only used in China, but also became the preferred currency for trade with their neighbours.
In the 19th Century, the Chinese were defeated in the First Opium War and forced to open their ports to foreign trade. The British merchants from The East India Company were now able to take advantage of the silk, porcelain spice and tea trade in the Orient.
The Rise of the British Trade Dollar
Now, with so many routes to trade it made sense for each country’s traders to mint their own coins, from their own supplies of silver. BUT these new silver trade coins all had to be minted to the same specification as the famous Spanish Dollar weighing in at approximately 27g and minted in 0.900 silver. The trade dollar was truly born and trading was made easier for the world – hence the movement of goods (and people) became more prevalent and “globalisation” started.
The 1895 British Trade Dollar.
Our British Trade Dollar was first minted from 1895 and designed by George William De Saulles – a British coin with an eastern feel, it was exclusively for use in the Far East. For the first time on a coin, it showed a helmet-wearing Britannia holding a trident and the British shield with a merchant ship in the background.
Although The East India Company had been trading since the early 1600s, the introduction of the British Trade Dollar secured them as the single most powerful economic force of its time – tea, silks, spices and so much more travelling across the world on their ships not only for Britain, but also the rest of the Empire and Commonwealth. Without the original version of this coin we would be waiting for a cup of tea for a very long time!
A 21st Century spin on a 19th Century coin
The 2018 East India Company 1oz Silver Proof Trade Dollar.
This year, The East India Company is launching a coin that has been faithfully inspired by the original British Trade Dollar – The East India Company 2018 Trade Dollar 1oz Silver Proof Coin features Britannia surrounded by an oriental pattern. The obverse for the first time, displays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by an arabesque cartouche.
A Faithful nod in these modern times to the coin that started it all.
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If you’re interested:
The 2018 East India Company 1oz Silver Proof Trade Dollar, limited to just 2,500 worldwide.
You can own the 2018 East India Company 1oz Silver Proof Trade Dollar, but you’ll have to be quick as just 2,500 have been issued worldwide! Click here to secure yours now >>
Just released: The Official RAF Centenary Coin and the story behind the design…
This year marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, arguably the most important military anniversary to be celebrated in British history. In fact, there are numerous official events and ceremonies planned up and down the country to mark the occasion – including a service at Westminster Abbey with an RAF parade and flypast!
It has been a glorious 100 years, full of extreme courage, bravery and self-sacrifice by the men and women who served and continue to serve.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
And, to mark this historic occasion, a brand new Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin has just been issued on behalf of the Bailiwick of Jersey. In my opinion, it is one of the most striking military coins ever issued and is the perfect tribute to ensure the remarkable feats of technology and courage of our RAF are never forgotten.
So what’s the story behind the design?
Mike Guilfoyle
For such an important anniversary, we knew the design had to be particularly special and we felt there was no better person for the job than ex-Royal Mint designer, Mike Guilfoyle.
Mike has 30 years of experience designing coins that have circulated around the world and has produced some of the most stunning British Isles coins ever minted. We were lucky enough to see the design process through with him.
From the start it was clear we wanted to include the most renowned planes from the RAF’s history and Mike came up with multiple options for us.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Design
However, it was the idea to show the incredible changes in technology over the last 100 years that really captured our imagination. The coin features three of the most important aircraft from the last century; the Sopwith Camel, the Supermarine Spitfire and the Lockheed Lightning II which brings us right up to the present day and looks towards the future of our RAF.
Highly detailed design – intricate striking
Through careful research and communicating closely with the MOD, Mike has been able to render each plane in exquisite detail.
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin Reverse
But this high level of detail and care didn’t just stop at design level. You can clearly see it’s been replicated right through to the striking of Mike’s design on the coins – what really took me aback is that none of the detail has been lost – that’s because the use of Modern Minting techniques used to produce the coins has resulted in one of the most intricately struck coins I’ve ever seen.
What makes it even better is that each plane has been enhanced with 24-Carat Gold Ink to really show off the detail and make it stand out against the Proof background.
The most iconic aircraft of the RAF
Here’s a bit more about why these three special planes have been chosen to feature on the coin:
The Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel has become one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the First World War.
In fact, J. M. Bruce tells us that “The total number of enemy aircraft shot down by Camels was 1,294, a greater number than were defeated by any other single type of aeroplane of the 1914-18 war”[1]
With that astonishing achievement this aircraft continued to serve until 1923 – an incredible lifespan for a plane in this era. [2]
Considering that the Sopwith Camel was serving from the very beginning of the RAF’s official formation and it was such an important part of the First World War, its place in RAF history is well-secured and was a clear choice to be featured on this stunning coin.
The Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Spitfire has to be one of the most famous British fighter aircraft in history and it has become the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War.
In fact, this aircraft has become synonymous with one battle in particular; the Battle of Britain. Alongside the Hawker Hurricane, this aircraft helped to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain and was seen as such a superior aircraft for it’s time that The RAF Museum states “at the height of the Battle of Britain…a German ace…in a moment of anger and frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron of Spitfires!” [3]
With that in mind, and considering the Spitfire still astonishes the crowds at air shows today, featuring this plane was another unanimous decision.
The Lockheed Lightning II
Lockheed Lightning II
Now, this multi-role supersonic stealth aircraft is an incredible example of just how far technology has come and is definitely a plane which will play a key part in the RAF’s future.
In fact, 2018 sees the 617Squadron, becoming the first RAF Squadron equipped with the Lightning II aircraft, of which the UK has so far taken delivery of 9. [4]
To me, these three incredible aircraft represent an ever-evolving RAF that is consistently at the forefront of technology, making this coin a fitting tribute to the courageous work of the RAF, the men and women who have served over the last 100 years and those who will continue to serve in the future.
[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200527.html
[2] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-f1-camel/
[3] https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire/
[4] https://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/Lightning.cfm
The RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin
If you are interested…
You can be one of a limited number of collectors to own the Official RAF Centenary Five Pound Proof Coin.
The three iconic aircraft have been highlighted in 24-carat gold ink and this stunning coin has been struck to the highest Proof standard you can find on a collectable coin.
Click here for more details now >>
Why the Australian Kangaroo is one of the most internationally respected coins on the market…
The ‘Kangaroo’
When it comes to identifying the very finest quality silver coins, few, if any, can match an Australian ‘Kangaroo’. Precision made, eye-catching and struck from 999/1000 Pure Silver, they’re usually snapped up on sight. And now three of the most exciting new issues have been brought together in an exclusive limited edition set…
Why has the Kangaroo become such an important design?
When the famous marsupial is engraved onto an Australian legal tender coin it becomes a hallmark of quality. Rather like the British Sovereign is a benchmark for gold coins, the Kangaroo signifies that your coin is from a trusted source and has been produced to an exceptional standard.
Because of this, the ‘Kangaroo’ has such an international following, and has become one of the most prominent and internationally respected names on the market. Collectors worldwide buy these Australian coins for their quality, design and craftsmanship.
The 2017 Australian Silver Kangaroo Numismatic Set
Three unique finishes brought together in one exclusive limited edition set
Now, three of the most exciting examples of the ‘Kangaroo’ you can buy have been brought together in one limited edition set.
The 2017 Australian Kangaroo Numismatic Set brings together the traditional bullion silver coin with the extremely sought-after high relief proof issue and the unusual gilded proof edition. Each coin boasts a full ounce of fine silver and demonstrate some of the finest minting techniques in the market.
Here’s a bit more about what makes each coin in the set so special:
The Silver Bullion Kangaroo
The first coin in the set is the traditional bullion coin, struck by The Perth Mint to a frosted finish, it contrasts superbly with the reflective and raised parts of the design, giving an unusual three tone relief.
The Silver Proof High Relief Kangaroo
Then second coin is The Perth Mint’s high-relief proof finish $1 coin. This remarkable technique strikes the design onto a concave blank, allowing for the engraving to stand tall – more like a sculpture than a coin.
The Silver Proof Gilded Kangaroo
The final coin is the stunning gilded silver proof coin that features the Australian kangaroo carefully picked out in brilliant 24 carat gold.
All three coins share a similar heritage, but demonstrate distinctive approaches to coin design.
If you’re interested…
You can be one of just 250 collectors to own The Australian Kangaroo Set.
The coins will come complete in a Deluxe Wooden Presentation Case, ready to display, with a Certificate of Authenticity, attesting to its precious metal content and edition limit.
The 2017 Australian Silver Kangaroo Numismatic Set
Each is individually encapsulated, perfect to keep them in pristine condition for your future generations to enjoy and appreciate. These coins are extremely popular, and with an edition limit of just 250, stock won’t last for long.