08 November 2018
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WWI Armistice front and back from Hattons of London
A world-first Remembrance gold coin with a dramatic two-tone finish has been unveiled to mark 100 years since the Armistice treaty.
A world-first Remembrance gold coin with a dramatic two-tone finish has been unveiled to mark 100 years since the Armistice treaty was signed between the World War I Allies and Germany.
The distinctive 22-carat gold quarter sovereign, commissioned by coin specialists Hattons of London, has a dignified, darkened appearance to all but the main design motif thanks to the creation of Remembrance Gold – crafted by layering the coins with ruthenium, one of the platinum family of metals and four times rarer than gold.
Significantly, every coin sold will help raise vital funds for SSAFA, the oldest military charity in the UK and the only one which assists all three armed forces.
To honour the extraordinary courage of service men and women in times of war, the limited edition Brilliant Uncirculated-quality coins depict the Victoria Cross, the highest British award for bravery possible. Last awarded in 2015, the Victoria Cross is awarded for conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Just 4,999 of the intricately-detailed quarter sovereign coins have been struck which means fewer than one in every 6,000 UK households can own one.
The quarter sovereign is part of the wider Armistice Centenary Remembrance Gold Gallantry collection, featuring prestigious service medals, released by Hattons of London to mark the important peace treaty that was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
“We’re extremely proud of the Armistice Centenary collection,” said Hattons of London managing director Simon Mellinger. “It’s the first use of Remembrance Gold on a sovereign and the darkened tone and colour of the coins is completely fitting with the reflective mood that will befall the nation on the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice.
“We’re also delighted to be using the collection to support the great work that is carried out by SSAFA to support our brave military personnel and their families,” he added. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity (formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association), provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force including reservists, and their families.
The quarter sovereign is available now for £95 (plus £4.99 P&P) from Hattons of London. For more information visit www.hattonsoflondon.co.uk.
COMING SOON! A Guide to Collecting German Militaria is the new bookazine from the publisher of The Armourer and it goes on sale on 30 November. This 132 page, perfect bound magazine is your guide to collecting Imperial and Third Reich militaria, from medals and cuff titles, to uniforms, weapons, personal gear and civic awards. We cover rare awards, how to spot fakes and include current prices. You can pre-order it now and get it delivered before it hits the shops. Click German Militaria to get your copy.
Don't forget, 100 Years of the RAF, a commemorative bookazine celebrating 100 years since the formation of the RAF, is now on sale. Order your copy by clicking on 100 RAF.
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