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.
King George V, who reigned as King at the time of the Unknown Warrior burial, chose a Medieval Crusader sword to affix to the lid of the casket, along with an iron shield bearing the inscription: “A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914–1918 for King and Country.” To this day, this is the only part of the Abbey floor visitors cannot walk over.
To honour all of the unidentified heroes, and as a mark of respect to all those who fell in The Great War, we’ve released the 2020 Unknown Warrior 100th Anniversary Gold Sovereign range. This is a set of low mintage sovereigns that will be struck on Remembrance Day, 11th November, to mark 100 years since the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest in 1920.
The new sovereign coins feature a design of the unknown soldier; the regular ‘Tommy’, who fought in the First World War. The soldier stands in profile with his pack on his back and rifle in his hand. A silhouette appears beside his to represent the many soldiers who fell on the battlefields during serving for their country. Behind the soldier is a circular etched pattern to represent the stained-glass windows of Westminster Abbey.
The 2020 Unknown Warrior 100th Anniversary Gold Quarter Sovereign is limited to just 999 coins, and is subject to our new Sell Out Guarantee, which means that availability of this coin will end on 30th April 2021. At that time, any coins that are unsold will be melted down and verified to that effect
You can purchase the 2020 Unknown Warrior 100th Anniversary Gold Quarter Sovereign HERE for the introductory price of £99 (plus £4.99 postage and packaging).
If you would like to enquire about any other coins in the Unknown Warrior 100th Anniversary Gold Sovereign range, then please call 0333 234 3103.
