At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.
The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.
The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.
This commemorative £5 Crown-sized coin was issued as part of a six-coin set of similar coins commemorating the Centenary of the First World War; the set itself is the first part of a series of sets issued over several years. The coin marks the role that the so-called Home Front played in the war.
The concept of the "home front" during World War I covers the domestic, economic, social and political histories of countries involved in that conflict, including the mobilisation of armed forces and the production of war supplies.
Total war demanded total mobilisation of all the nation's resources for a common goal. Manpower had to be channelled into the front lines. Behind the lines, labour power had to be redirected away from less necessary activities that were luxuries during a total war. In particular, vast munitions industries had to be built up to provide shells, guns, warships, uniforms, airplanes, and a hundred other weapons, both old and new. Agriculture had to be mobilised as well, to provide food for both civilians and for soldiers - many of whom had been farmers and needed to be replaced by old men, boys and women.
The coin was issued in Proof FDC, in sterling silver and in a gold, both in sets only and not issued individually. | 
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