Posts Tagged ‘Silver Coin’
‘Creeping’ it real this Halloween? An exclusive look into some of the world’s scariest coins…
Do you have your fancy dress ideas up to scratch? Well, it’s coming up to the spookiest time of the year, so it’s time to dust off your witches’ hat, carve your pumpkins, put in your vampire teeth and buy copious amounts of sweets for a fang’tastic Halloween!
Here at Collector’s Gallery we love Halloween, mainly because it gives us the opportunity to reflect upon some of our most intriguingly spooky coins, produced with some of the most remarkably unique minting techniques.
From Frankenstein’s Monster, to the Symbol of Death, we take a look at some of the most spook-tacular coins that are sure to put the ‘treat’ in ‘trick or treat’ this Halloween…
Relive the moment Frankenstein’s Monster came to life…
Now, let me be Frank with you – Frankenstein’s Monster turned 200 last year and as a result this 1oz Silver Coin saw unprecedented demand.
This antique finish, Pure silver coin is impressive in its own right, but with highly specialist numismatic printing techniques it goes a step further…
When put under a UV light (which comes included in your luxury presentation case), pulsing electricity is revealed so you are able to relive the moment that Frankenstein’s monster came to life!
Struck with extra high relief, collector interest in this coin has been monstrous, so make sure you don’t miss out by clicking here >>
A real life fear…trapped!
Cleithrophobia is the fear of being trapped and this coin highlights that fear in a chilling way with the use of an incredibly complex manufacturing process called Smartminting© – which create beautiful pieces of coinage with a very special high quality Antique Finish.
This brand new coin concept originates from one of the CIT’s multiple award winning designers. The oppressive image of a trapped person is skillfully implemented on this fine, 1oz pure silver coin creating the appearance of a person screaming through a stretched fabric sheet.Spook-tacular I’m sure you will agree! Click here to trap yours >>>
‘Luna de Sangre’ Swarovski® Crystal Skull
You won’t have a ‘bone’ to pick with this ‘Swarovski ® Crystal Skull’ Coin.
After a worldwide sellout of the 2018 ‘Vanity’ Crystal Skull, the latest coin in the series for 2019 is expected to be no different. Struck in .999 Pure Silver, this coin features an electric blue skull shaped Swarovski ® Crystal against a flawless black-proof red blood moon finish.
The perfect addition to any creepy collection – bone appetite!
Find out more by clicking here >>
The Beautifully Evil Pandora’s Box…
This magnificently tragic 3oz pure silver coin features unbelievable high relief due to the fact it is minted and not cast. This means all the curses of the world, including demons and mythological creatures are made that more terrifying as they supposedly escape from the box’s vortex.
This coin has had a spellbinding reception from collectors and we have an extremely limited quantity of stock remaining. Click here to secure the Beautifully Evil Pandora’s Box coin for your collection >>
The Symbol of Death
It doesn’t get much more frightening that the Death’s Head Hawkmoth, with graceful wings signifying the fragility of life and the skull branding on its back as a stark reminder of looming death…
Featuring the very latest in minting techniques, this coins unique shape and shadowy black proof finish gives it yet another haunting element.
However, by far the most impressive part of this coin is the brand new ‘lapping’ technique which has been used for the first time EVER to create a bright, reflective surface which contrasts against the black proof finish.
If you’re interested…
Click here to see our full range of spook-tacular coins this Halloween >>
Before Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword there was Dieppe
Now home to around 30,500,the picturesque port of Dieppe on the Normandy coast of France was once the site of what’s perhaps the most conflicting military operation of WWII.
Some hail it as an essential lesson, to help future troops and pave the way for victory on D-Day. Whilst others see it as the most ill-fated and disastrous military effort of The War.
A test of Hitler’s “Fortress Europe”
The year is 1942, and on the morning of 19th August, alongside 1,000 British troops and 50 American Rangers, 5,000 Canadian troops began their assault on the small French port town of Dieppe. This was Canada’s first army offensive in Europe, and the results left many thinking it could well be their last.
Ultimately, the raid was strategically designed to test the Allies’ ability to launch amphibious assaults against Adolf Hitler’s “Fortress Europe”. This would inform future plans to bring about an end to the conflict.
(Image courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopaedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dieppe-raid )
The co-ordinated air, land and sea assault was codenamed Operation Jubilee. Allied forces landed on the shores of Dieppe with the intention of occupying the town for a brief period of time in which they would gain intelligence and entice the Luftwaffe – German Air Force – in to open battle to wear them down.
But from the beginning, nothing went as planned. Less than six hours in the commanders called a retreat.
High costs
The troops arriving via the sea unexpectedly encountered a German fleet, and the ensuing battle at sea robbed the Allies of their element of surprise. This was what they were hoping would give them the upper hand. Out of the four beaches targeted, none of the attacks were classed as successful, resulting in severe loss of life and assets. With the element of surprise lost, the Allies and their armoured support were late to arrive at their designated attack points meaning many were slaughtered with little preparation to defend themselves.
(Image courtesy of ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-dieppe-raid-2361490)
The Calgary Tanks that did make it ashore were poorly equipped for the terrain and struggled to move across the pebbled beaches. Those that did make it across the beach were unable to destroy the enemy’s concrete barriers blocking their path, their guns were not strong enough. Eventually these tanks provided covering fire for the force’s evacuation.
German casualties were light. In comparison the Allies suffered, especially the Canadians: over 900 were killed, 2,400 wounded and a further 1,900 taken prisoner. Fewer than half the Canadians who departed for Dieppe returned.
(Image courtesy of France24: https://www.france24.com/en/20170819-france-canada-world-war-two-doomed-dieppe-raid)
Lessons learned
Allied commanders knew the raid was risky. But none imagined it would be such a terrible failure, with so much loss of life. It was believed the element of surprise would be their greatest weapon, allowing landing troops to overcome German defenders and occupy the town. But little thought was given to the importance of air superiority and the need for overwhelming firepower.
Despite its failure, the raid was a pivotal moment in WWII and provided invaluable lessons for the Allies. It made clear the difficulties of assaulting a well-defended port and the need for better intelligence on conditions and communication amongst the troops – they could not rely solely on the element of surprise.
Two years later, the D-Day landings would be backed up by massive naval artillery support, dominance over the skies, and heavy firepower — three essential factors missing at Dieppe. Finally, following D-Day success, on 1st September 1944, Dieppe was liberated.
If you’re interested…
The Royal Canadian Mint issued a 1oz Silver Proof coin to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe raid. It’s been specially designed as a powerful tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
Unsurprisingly this coin is completely sold out at the mint. But we have a limited number available for UK collectors.
Click here to secure one for your collection >>
The BRAND NEW 50p issue that’s sure to be this year’s must-have release
As you may know, this year we’re celebrating a numismatic milestone: the 50th anniversary of the 50p!
And as the collector’s favourite 7-sided coin turns 50 years old we’ve seen many commemoratives marking the occasion, which have proved immensely popular with collectors.
And a brand new UK 50p has been released today by The Royal Mint to mark the actual anniversary of the 50p – 14th October 2019.
This new coin is sure to see an overwhelming response from collectors. That’s because the new coin has THREE unique features that alone make this commemorative this year’s must have 50p release…
TWO special privy marks and a minting first
The reverse features Christopher Ironside’s iconic Britannia design, inscribed with ‘New Pence’. This was the first design to ever feature on the 7-sided 50p, released in 1969.
But what truly sets this issue apart from all other 50years of the 50p commemoratives is the inclusion of THREE special hidden features:
- Exclusive never-before-seen privy mark, designed especially for the occasion. A Spirograph-type design drawn from an extension of lines forming the 50p shape creates this unique mark. If you look in the centre you’ll see the 7-sided 50p shape we’re used to today.
- Innovative privy mark around the reverse rim of the coin. The letters A to G are inscribed on each point and are joined by arced crossing lines. It shows the science behind how the iconic 50p shape was created. Importantly, this is a minting first on a 50p coin.
- The denomination in ‘NEW PENCE’ – not seen since 1981.
These three features make this issue highly collectable and will surely be sought-after by collectors in years to come.
50th Anniversary of the 50p Commemorative 50p BU Pack
To give as many collectors as possible the chance to own this coin, The Royal Mint has issued it in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, which is coveted by collectors as it means each coin is free from any marks you would find on circulated coins.
Each one is protectively encapsulated in its attractive original Royal Mint packaging to preserve its quality for generations to come. What’s more, you can secure this BU Pack at the Royal Mint issue price of just £10 (+p&p). Click here to find out more >>>
50th Anniversary of the 50p Commemorative 50p Silver Proof Coin
However, you can own the special commemorative 50p in an even more exclusive way – so exclusive just 3,500 collectors worldwide can own it.
This version is sure to sell incredibly quickly. Remember when The Royal Mint re-issued for 2019 some of the most iconic 50ps, to celebrate the anniversary, in Silver Proof quality the popularity was unprecedented. In fact the full allocation of 3,500 COMPLETELY SOLD OUT within two hours.
That’s the same edition limit as this single coin.
The coin has the same design, but comes presented in a bespoke Royal Mint presentation box and is struck in superior .925 Sterling Silver to a perfect proof finish. Given how popular commemorative 50ps are, this exclusive precious metal version is sure to be an even bigger hit.
You can secure this limited edition coin for your collection now for just £55 (+p&p) – that’s the Royal Mint issue price. Click here to find out more >>>
50th Anniversary of the 50p Commemorative 50p Silver Piedfort Coin
But, there is an even more limited way to own this coin – as a Silver Proof Piedfort. Limited to just 1,969 collectors across the globe, this coin is nearly twice as rare as the regular Silver Proof version.
Piedforts are the pinnacle of Royal Mint craftsmanship. They are highly-sought after amongst collectors and stand out for many reasons:
- Twice the weight and thickness of a regular Silver Proof coin
- Double the amount of Silver
- Low edition limits
- Fast sell-out rates
What’s more, 50p Piedforts are extremely rare. To my knowledge only about 20 or so have ever been minted and as such are always highly sought-after.
In fact, they are so in demand that the 2019 UK Stephen Hawking 50p Silver Proof Piedfort, with a higher edition limit of 2,500, COMPLETELY SOLD OUT at The Royal Mint within two hours.
You can secure this limited edition coin for your collection now for just £19 (+p&p), followed by 4 further equal interest-free instalments. Click here to find out more >>>