The Mayflower and Seven Facts You May Not Know

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell
The 2020 Mayflower 400th Anniversary gold Quarter Sovereign Banner
On 16th September 1620, a merchant ship called the Mayflower sailed from England to Plymouth, USA to the ‘New World’. On board the ship were 102 men, women and children; half of which were Pilgrims’ looking for a new life away from religious persecution. After a treacherous journey through storms and high waves, the mayflower finally reached its journeys end after 66 gruelling days.

We’re looking at the history of the vessel, as well as five facts you may not know…

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The 2020 Unknown Warrior 100th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell
unknown warrior
This year, we mark a very solemn centenary; on the 11th of November it will be the 100th anniversary of the laying to rest of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The nature and scale of the First World War was unlike anything that had been seen before. Large numbers of soldiers fell in the service of their country and have no known grave. To honour these men, and to ensure their sacrifice would be forever remembered, an unidentified British soldier from the battlefields in France was buried in Westminster Abbey, to represent all those who fell in battle and had no proper burial.

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The 2020 Pre-Decimal 50th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell
The 2020 Pre-decimal 50th Anniversary Gold One-Eighth Sovereign Banner
In 1970, the last ever pre-decimal coins were struck. Pre-Decimal coinage is however very much still heard and seen today, despite there being many younger generations who have only ever known ‘Decimal’ currency of pounds and pence, missing out on centuries of history and tradition.

Decimalisation, or Decimal Day as it is most known, occurred in 1971 after the pre-decimal system was deemed too complicated with pounds, shillings and pence. Initially, the plan was to make the new decimal currency into cents and dollars (known more in the USA), but this was reconsidered, and pounds and pence were the chosen coinage.

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Dunkirk 80th Anniversary and Four Facts You May Not Know

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell
dunkirk

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of Dunkirk Evacuation, code-named Operation Dynamo; the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II from the beaches of Dunkirk.

The operation commenced after large numbers of British, Belgian and French troops were stopped and surrounded by German troops during the six-week Battle of France. The rescue and evacuation lasted almost two weeks between 26th May and 4th June 1940.

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VE Day 75th Anniversary and Five Facts You May Not Know

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell

The 2020 VE Day 75th Anniversary Gold Quarter Sovereign

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day; the day peace was brought upon Britain after six long years of war and conflict during the Second World War.

VE (Victory in Europe) Day, 8th May 1945, the day Winston Churchill declared the war was over within Europe, that had cost millions their homes and even their lives. Germany had surrendered and thousands all across the country marked the great victory with street parties, singing and rejoicing.

Here are five things that you may not know about VE Day, Winston Churchill and the decline of the German forces…

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