Five Pounds 2016 Jack Cornwell, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

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 third part of a series of sets issued over several years. This coin is dedicated to Jack Cornwell.

John Travers Cornwell VC (1900 - 1916), commonly known as Jack Cornwell or as Boy Cornwell, is remembered for his gallantry at the Battle of Jutland during World War One. Having died at the age of only 16, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He has been depicted on the coin in a portrait-style design, but at his post, the last surviving gunner aboard the stricken HMS Chester. The coin’s edge lettering reads "MOTHER, DON’T WATCH FOR POSTIE", a quotation from “The Ballad of Jack Cornwell” by Charles Causley.

The coin was issued in Proof FDC, in sterling silver and in a gold, both in sets only and not issued individually.