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 features three Howitzer guns.
These guns fired heavy shells on a high trajectory through a short barrel and were the best type of artillery gun to employ against fortifications. At the beginning of the war, the British howitzer only had a limited range. However, by the end of the war they could fire shells weighing 900kg over 18km.
The 9.2 inch howitzer was introduced into service with the British Army in 1914. The barrel on the piece shown on the coin (now in the Imperial War Museum in London) was tested in July 1914 and was the first of its pattern. The prototype howitzer was sent to France in October 1914 and was brought into action by the 8th Siege Battery, RGA at La Couture and was later in action at Nieppe and Warneton. From February to July 1915 the howitzer was manned by the 10th Siege Battery , taking part in the battles of Neuve Chapelle and Festubert. Up to February 1915 it was the only howitzer of its type in France and was nicknamed "Mother", and was heavily guarded.
The coin was issued in Proof FDC, in sterling silver and in a gold, both in sets only and not issued individually. |