Description
Winston Churchill Crown Coin from 1965 with original Coin Pouch
The 1965 Winston Churchill Crown Coin is a commemorative coin issued by the United Kingdom to honor Sir Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister and one of the most prominent figures of World War II.
Key Features of the 1965 Winston Churchill Crown Coin:
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Denomination:
- The coin is a crown, which is worth five shillings (5/-), a larger denomination of the time. It was minted as a special commemorative coin, marking Churchill’s life and legacy.
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Design:
- Obverse (Front): The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick, which was used on British coins from 1953 to 1967. The legend around the Queen’s portrait reads “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA” (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen).
- Reverse (Back): The reverse features a portrait of Winston Churchill, designed by the famous engraver Michael R. R. W. T. (Ralph) Miller. It shows Churchill in a classic pose, with his right hand raised in a famous salute.
- Above Churchill’s portrait, you can see the inscription “WINSTON CHURCHILL”, with the date 1965 below. There is also a small “CROWN” inscription, referring to the denomination of the coin.
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Material:
- The 1965 Churchill Crown was minted in cupro-nickel, which was a common alloy for British coins at the time. It has a significant weight (about 28.28 grams) and a large diameter (around 38.6 mm), giving it a notable size compared to standard coins.
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Minting and Issue:
- The coin was issued to commemorate the death of Winston Churchill in January 1965. It was released as a limited edition, with a total mintage of around 8 million coins. The crown was not meant for regular circulation, but rather as a collector’s item and a tribute to Churchill’s life and leadership during the war.
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Special Significance:
- The 1965 Churchill Crown is historically important because it commemorates one of the most revered figures in British history, who played a crucial role in the Second World War as Prime Minister and in rallying the British people to stand firm against Nazi Germany.
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Value and Collectibility:
- While the coin was widely minted, it is still a popular collector’s item today. Its value varies based on condition (from circulated to uncirculated), rarity, and demand within the numismatic community. The value can typically range from a few pounds to more for coins in excellent condition or with special packaging.
This coin stands as a tribute to Churchill’s legacy and has become one of the iconic British commemorative coins. If you’re considering collecting one, it is important to check its condition, as coins in uncirculated or proof condition tend to fetch a higher price.
