Royal Mint issues £2 Royal Navy coin as part of World War I commemorations

The Royal Mint has issued a new £2 coin in three different precious metals as part of its World War I centenary commemorations.

The Royal Mint’s programme of commemoration marking the centenary of World War One continues with a £2 coin that honours the Royal Navy. The design will be released in precious metal editions – Gold Proof, Silver Proof and Silver Proof Piedfort.

THE ROYAL NAVY IN WORLD WAR ONE

The Royal Navy began its service in World War One soon after the outbreak of hostilities, carrying troops to France to begin the campaign on land. Naval troops would go on to fight on land, in the trenches and in the air. The Royal Navy’s command of the oceans during the Great War kept Britain supplied and the front line reinforced until victory came.

The detailed reverse design of the coin, by military artist David Rowlands, features a Royal Navy battleship, a symbol of the Royal Navy’s power. The obverse bears the definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS – the last time that the fourth portrait will be featured on the 2015 £2 coin.

Shane Bissett, Director of Commemorative Coin, Bullion and Medals at The Royal Mint, said: 'David Rowlands’ stirring battleship design for the Royal Navy £2 coin is a fitting tribute and a powerful reminder of the essential role that the Royal Navy has played in supplying and protecting the British Isles over the years.'

ROYAL NAVY COIN DETAILS

Denomination: £2
Weight: 12g (silver proof) 24g (silver proof piedford) 15.97g (gold proof)
Diameter: 28.40mm
Edge inscription: The Sure Shield of Britain.

To purchase the coin, visit The Royal Mint's website.

For all the latest coin and stamp news and new issues, read Stamp & Coin Mart magazine.

(Images copyright The Royal Mint)