Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The two ounce (2 oz) gold coins are denominated as Two Hundred Pounds (£200).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
This commemorative coin marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.
The mint says about it: Fueled by an ethos of courage and dedication, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been saving lives at sea since 1824. Envisioned by Sir William Hillary after he observed many shipwrecks along the Manx coast, the service was initially named the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, before it became the RNLI in 1854.
Designed by Lionel Lukin, the first purpose-built lifeboat was patented in 1785. In the two centuries since its foundation, the RNLI has pioneered ways of saving lives at sea. The introduction of the motor lifeboat in 1905 transformed the charity’s lifesaving abilities and from there it has adapted along with the evolution of boat engineering, from using a one-of-a-kind, fast motor lifeboat in 1930 to implementing inflatable lifeboats in 1963 to help crews reach areas close to shore, cliffs and caves. In 2001, the RNLI began providing lifeguard patrols and now operate on over 240 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands. Lifeguards provide in-water rescue, first aid, and speak to the public about water safety to prevent incidents from happening. |