Five Pounds 2019 Remembrance, 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 marks 100 years of Remembrance Day.

The Royal Mint says:
"Over the past century, the scope of Remembrance Day has expanded beyond paying tribute to the dead of the First World War. It is now an opportunity for people to reflect on the sacrifices made in a number of modern conflicts, including ongoing deployments. That Remembrance has expanded in this way over the past century is clear testament to its importance and, regardless of the era, the spirit is almost always the same - honour, respect, and, of course, sombreness.

Carrying the words we will remember them, the Remembrance Day 2019 coin features a solitary poppy - an iconic feature in the ceremony of Remembrance - along with the dates 1919 and 2019. Designed by artist Harry Brockway, the coin is an understated and respectful way to remember those who have lost their lives in service of their country."

The coins were issued with a markup on the price, with 2.5% of the total price donated to Imperial War Museums, to support their valuable work. IWM records and tells the stories of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict since 1914.