The Royal Navy 2015 UK £2

10 Feb 2015

The Royal Mint’s programme of commemoration marking the centenary of the First World War continues with a £2 coin that honours the Royal Navy. The design is now being released in precious metal editions – Gold Proof, Silver Proof and Silver Proof Piedfort.

As an island nation, Britain has been largely dependent on the seas for supplies and communications. The Royal Navy began their service in the First World War from the outset, carrying troops to France to begin the campaign on land. Naval troops would go on to fight on land, in the trenches and in the air. The Royal Navy’s command of the oceans during the First World War kept Britain supplied and the front line reinforced until victory finally came.

The detailed reverse design of this striking coin, by respected military artist David Rowlands, features a Royal Navy battleship, a symbol of the Royal Navy’s power, representing the strength of a force whose contribution to victory in the First World War deserves to be remembered. The obverse bears the definitive coinage portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS – the last time that the fourth portrait will be featured on the 2015 £2 coin.

Shane Bissett, Director of Commemorative Coin, Bullion and Medals at The Royal Mint, says: “David Rowlands’ stirring battleship design for the Royal Navy £2 coin is a fitting tribute and a powerful reminder of the essential role that the Royal Navy has played in supplying and protecting the British Isles over the years”.