Alderney is one of the Channel Islands (situated in the Channel between England and France), and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey - a British Crown dependency. As such, it is not a sovereign country, but has operated as a quasi-sovereign entity since the Middle Ages. The island has issued commemorative coins since 1989, denominated in the Alderney Pound - which is a variant of the Pound Sterling and is legal tender on the islands, but not in the United Kingdom.
The British Royal Mint occasionally uses the jurisdiction of Alderney to issue commemorative coins, usually crowns-sized (i.e. modelled on the pre-decimal crown denomination, which is now continued by the commemorative £5 type. Coins of this type are not intended for circulation.
This coin was issued to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Salvation Army.
The Mint says about the coin:
When William Booth witnessed desperate poverty in Victorian London, he resolved to help the most marginalised, forgotten by the rest of society. His mission, to bring hope and salvation wherever he found despair, would require an army of volunteers and a new charitable movement was born, dedicated to alleviating suffering. Celebrate 150 years of The Salvation Army, now a global force ‘giving hope today’, an organisation which has remained relevant, fighting modern day injustice and inequality and supporting people with their own personal ordeals.
Show your appreciation and support to The Salvation Army and learn more about its origins and evolution as it celebrates this remarkable milestone with the Alderney Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin. Featuring the iconic shield emblem, Laura Clancy’s design perfectly captures the spirit of this remarkable institution. This coin would be a great addition to any collection, or a great way to inspire a new collector. It comes complete with a fascinating history of this worthy organisation.
Founded in 1865, to bring hope to the poor in London’s East End, The Salvation Army remains as dedicated and relevant 150 years later. From humble beginnings, it has gone from strength to strength, its volunteers and members instantly recognisable in their distinctive uniforms, an idea that originated with Elijah Cadman in 1878; a symbol of identity and of availability to those in need of help. The charity now has a presence in 126 countries, supporting vulnerable and marginalised people and empowering them to transform their lives - the unemployed, the homeless, those who are isolated and forgotten or find themselves victims of trafficking. |
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