2005 WWII Gold Proof Two Pounds

Since 1986. the Royal Mint has issued two pound coins, both for circulation and as commemorative versions for collectors.In 2005, as the latest in this series of £2 coins, the Royal Mint has produced a design commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World war in 1945. It features a magnificent view of St. Paul's Cathedral.

According to the Royal Mint

Celebrating the end of the Second World War, this fabulous bi-colour gold coin bears on the reverse a beautiful picture of St Paul's Cathedral, the great church that survived the Blitz to become a great symbol of hope to the war-torn nation. Floodlit, in joyous contrast to the years of blackout, its awe-inspiring and beautifully detailed architecture is faithfully reproduced in stunning in Proof quality. Its edge inscription bears the emotive words - IN VICTORY: MAGNANIMITY, IN PEACE: GOODWILL, part of the famous maxim that prefaces Churchill's history of the Second World War.

Struck in both yellow and red 22 carat gold, the coin comes in a handsome presentation case of green leather with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing its provenance and its strict issue limit of just 1,750* individual pieces.*The UK Gold Proof £2 Coin has been taken from its overall issue limit of 3,500.

Brief History of the Period Rather than repeat it here, we have created a page with brief historical notes about the period with particular reference to St. Pauls Cathedral.

Different Versions
In addition to the gold proof version offered here, the St. Paul's £2 is being produced the following different versions, further details of which are shown on our other web site.

• Ordinary circulation version, which should be available from banks and post offices during the year.
• Specimen version, issued in Royal Mint folder. This has a superior finish compared with the ordinary coins, so will be preferred by most collectors. the folders are also very attractive and informative, and made interesting and unusual gifts.
• Silver Proof version, with the outer part gold plated.
• Piedfort proof version, similar but made double weight, with a lower mintage.

Gold Proof Version The gold proof version has been produced in 22 carat red gold, with the centre "gold sprayed" according to the Royal Mint, before striking. The issue limit is likely to be fixed at a maximum of 1,750 individual pieces, with a further 1,750 reserved for inclusion in the Allied Coin Gold Sets.

Obverse
The Fourth Portrait
The fourth of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank Broadley, FRBS, FSNAD, whose initials IRB appear under the head, as used on all British coins from 1998.

Reverse
A magnificent representation of St. Paul's Cathedral bathed in floodlight, designed by Robert Elderton.TWO POUNDS
1945 - 2005

Edge
Incuse Inscription:
IN VICTORY MAGNANIMITY IN PEACE GOODWILL (This is from Sir Winston Churchill's preface to his history of the Second World War.

Specifications

Prices
Prices & Availability
The prices quoted in the US $ column may be out of date due to currency fluctuations.

Notes on Table
Price £ = Our price in pounds sterling.
Price $ = Our price in US dollars.

You may wish to use our order form .

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10,
Insured Shipping $20
Canada Airmail $15,
Insured Shipping via Fedex $40

Red Arrows at Blackpool Airshow August 2009 As a slight diversion, while we are on the subject of planes, and the R.A.F.