1965 Churchill Coin

Introducing the 1965 Winston Churchill Coin

Known as one of the greatest Britons of all time, Winston Churchill had one of the most lasting impacts on British history and the twentieth century. Throughout his leadership as Prime Minister during the Second World War, Winston Churchill came to greatness through his fight against Hitler. From his time as First Sea Lord for the Royal Navy in 1911 to finally being voted out of office in 1945, Churchill was a warrior who fought well with his words as well as with his strategies. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his various published works. Churchill died at his home at 90 years old on the morning of 24 January 1965. His funeral became the largest state funeral until that date, with 112 countries sending representatives to pay their respects. Because of the Queen’s presence, it also marked the first time in more than a century where royalty attended the funeral for a commoner.

Winston Churchill 1965 Crown Coin

As a small way to honour the incredible sacrifice, intelligence, and fight Churchill gave for his country and the world, the Royal Mint issued this special Crown in the same year of his death, 1965, the first one to feature a person not of the Royal family at that time. Lady Churchill was the one to start the coining press for this crown coin in September 1965, receiving the very first coin. Because of this coin, commemorative coins have entered British circulation to honour other historical figures and events. This is also the first crown coin since crown coins were first minted in 1902 to not have its denomination printed.

The design is a portrait of Churchill in a siren suit, inspired by the bronze statue created by Oscar Nemon, his favourite sculptor. On the obverse is the young laureate bust of HM Queen Elizabeth II with the lettering ‘Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina F·D·’. The portrait was designed by Mary Gillick and was the same one that was used on all UK coins issued between 1953 and 1970. The coin, despite its similar large size, is not akin to a US silver dollar. It’s made of a copper-nickel composition.

(Caption: Winston Churchill)

How Much is the 1965 Churchill Coin Worth?

Because of Churchill’s popularity, the 1965 coin itself became very popular during that time, with over 19 million coins issued. Because of this amount, the coin is a fairly common find, even in great condition.

The Churchill crown coin’s original legal tender was valued at five shillings. After decimalisation in 1971, the current value of the coin is now 25 pence, even though this coin is seen more as a collector’s item than normal currency. Uncirculated Churchill crown coins in perfect to near-perfect condition can be bought for around £3, but more often than not, you’ll probably find them at face value. On eBay, in 2019, this coin has been bought for £10, but with a presentation box and certificate of authenticity.

The value of the 1965 Winston Churchill Crown coin can vary depending on its condition and rarity. In circulated condition, the coin is generally worth its face value of 5 shillings (equivalent to 25 pence in decimal currency). However, coins that are in uncirculated or proof condition may be worth more to collectors.

As of December 2021, an uncirculated 1965 Winston Churchill Crown coin in its original packaging is worth around £10-£15, while a proof version of the coin can be worth around £30-£40 or more, depending on its condition and rarity. It is important to note that these values are estimates and may fluctuate over time based on market demand and other factors.

Churchill On Other Coins

A second, limited edition version of this coin was produced as well. Known as the satin-finished VIP coin, it’s estimated that only 1000 of these coins were made. They are usually found to be worth around at least £1000 with a certificate of authenticity.

Because of Churchill’s impressive legacy, the Royal Mint also felt it appropriate to commemorate him not just once, but three times. After the 1965 coin, the Royal Mint brought him back to honour him on the £5 coin for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2015, for the 50th anniversary of his death, another £5 coin was released to celebrate his genius once more.

The coin has a diameter of 38.61mm and weighs 28.28 grams. It is made of cupro-nickel, which is a copper-nickel alloy that was commonly used for UK coins during this time period.