The Royal Mint has today unveiled its abolition of the slave trade precious metal £2 collector coin. Limited issue gold and silver coins have been launched to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Passed on the 25th March 1807, the Act set out to abolish the slave trade within Britain and its colonies and outlawed the involvement of British ships in the trade. The base metal coin is anticipated to enter general circulation this autumn.
The reverse design of this special coin, by David Gentleman RDI, features the anniversary date (1807) intertwined with a broken chain, symbolising a break in the chains of oppression.
David Gentleman, a well-known water colourist and illustrator, has been a prolific stamp designer and was the artist behind the Royal Mint's 2005 coin commemorating the Entente Cordiale.
Reflecting on his design, he said: 'Although I found many historic images of slavery interesting, I was primarily inspired by the power the 1807 Act had on effectively abolishing the slave trade. As such, rather than focus on an image of slavery, my design emphasises the release from subjection and freedom brought about by the Act of Abolition.'
Andy Mitchell, Director of Collector Coin Marketing for the Royal Mint, said:
'The lead Britain took in outlawing the slave trade was an example followed by many other countries and the 200th anniversary is an opportunity for us to commemorate this important advance in freedom. The limited issue coin is one that can be enjoyed by collectors, historians and the general public.'
The precious metal versions of the abolition of the slave trade £2 coin have been produced in addition to the Brilliant Uncirculated base metal coin, which was launched in November 2006.
The abolition of the slave trade £2 coin is available in gold at £395 with a limited issue of 1,000, in silver at £29.95 with a limited issue of 10,000, and in base metal as a £2 Brilliant Uncirculated coin at £7.45, with a limited issue of 100,000. For further information or to order your coin please contact the Royal Mint Coin Club on 0845 60 88 300 or visit www.royalmint.com.
1. The Abolition of the Slave Trade £2 coin is one of four United Kingdiom commemorative coins being produced in 2007. In addition, the Royal Mint has issued the Diamond Wedding £5 Crown, the Act of Union £2 coin and the Scouting Centenary 50p coin Each coin bears an exclusive design symbolic of the important occasion which it commemorates, and is available individually or as part of a limited-edition set.
2. The 2007 coins have been created by talented artists new to the numismatic world and also acclaimed designers already familiar to collectors. Each of the coin designs has been chosen by a competition judged by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Professor Sir Christopher Frayling. Designs are approved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his capacity as Master of the Mint, and given legal tender status by Royal Proclamation.
3. The Royal Mint's history can be traced back over 1100 years. By the late thirteenth century the organisation was based in the Tower of London and remained there for over 500 years. In 1810 the Mint moved out of the Tower to premises on London's Tower Hill. In 1967 the building of a new Mint began on its current site in Llantrisant, South Wales.
4. There were estimated to be more than 26.8 billion United Kingdom coins in circulation at 31 March 2006, with a total face value of more than £3,372 million - all manufactured by the Royal Mint.
5. A total of 1.5 billion United Kingdom circulating coins were issued during 2006-07.
6. Of all the coins, it is the 1p piece that is most in demand, with more than 10.5 billion now in circulation.
7. Commemorative coins issued last year included:
The Queen's 80th Birthday Crown
Two £2 coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Two 50p coins commemorating the 150th anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross.
8. For further details visit the Royal Mint website: www.royalmint.com |
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