Heart of the Capital
The Trafalgar Square 2016 UK £100 Fine Silver Coin is the latest in the Commemorative fine silver coin series. Architect John Nash designed Trafalgar Square as a cultural space, open to the public. Its focal point is Nelson's Column with its statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, gazing down on everything below. It honours his victory against the Spanish and French at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. Trafalgar Square is also a showcase for British art and sculpture with the National Gallery housed on the north side. Since it was officially named in the 1830s it has remained a living square at the heart of the capital. Thousands of people visit every year while Edwin Landseer famous bronze lions, guarding the base of Nelson's Column, remain a tourist favourite. On New Year Eve, and during significant celebrations, such as royal weddings, it fills with people celebrating or sporting Union Jack flags. It is also a popular place for people to gather, attend political protests or hold vigils in times of national crisis. The Trafalgar Square 2016 UK £100 coin is the third in the £100 Commemorative fine silver series designed by Royal Mint coin designers Glyn Davies and Laura Clancy. Previous £100 coins have featured their designs for Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. One of Edwin Landseer’s bronze lions takes centre stage while Nelson’s Column stands in the distance, conveying the square’s sense of space.
