First World War 2 Coin

Introducing the First World War 2 Pound Coin

Starting in 2014, the Royal Mint wanted to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the First World War by releasing five 2 pound coins from 2014 to 2018. The Aviation World War One 2-pound coin was the fourth to be released in 2017. The First World War was the first time planes were used in large-scale warfare as Britain fought to keep the skies under their domain. The map depicted on the coin is of the area in Arras, France where the Battle of Arras occurred, a successful Britain air support operation. The battle occurred in April and due to the extremely heavy casualties, April 1917 gained the name ‘Bloody April.’ 

2017 First World War 2 Pound Silver Proof Coin

Otherwise known as the First World War Aviation coin, this limited version is a special release. The coin is made from .925 Silver with 24-carat gold-plated outer ring and set to a Proof finish. The Proof process involves severe strikes with polished dies to create a beautiful mirrored appearance on the double-thickness Piedfort coin. 

The design is a joint project between Henry Gray and Dan Flashman of the tangerine design agency. It’s also interesting to note that Dan Flashman’s grandfather flew reconnaissance during WWI. The coin features a RAF R.E.8 plane from overhead, flying over a part of Arras, France, depicted as a map. The edge has the inscription: ‘The Sky Rained Heroes.’

(Caption: Photo of RAF R.E.8 Plane)

How Much is the First World War 2 Pound Coin Worth?

The Silver Proof Piedfort variation of the First World War 2 pound coin has a mintage of 3,500. The highest auction price to sell one of these special versions on eBay was £82.00 as of 2019. It came in a case and with a certificate of authenticity. 

Other Versions of the First World War Aviation Coin

Unlike other coins where the circulation mintage vastly outnumbers the Proof versions, the Aviation 2-pound coin is a special case. Due to the insufficient demand for the base metal version to enter general circulation, there was only about 400 released into circulation through promotional events. 

There is also the Brilliant Uncirculated version, Gold Proof (mintage of 650), and Silver Proof (mintage of 7,000).

Other First World War Coins  

As mentioned earlier, this is the fourth coin in the Royal Mint’s five-year WWI commemorative 2-pound coin series, starting in 2014. Covering the event from ‘Outbreak to Armistice’, the other 2-pound coins pay respect to the country at the start of the war, the other branches of the military, and the armistice finally ending the war. 

Released only as Silver and Gold Proof collector’s sets concurrently with the 2-pound coins, there are five collections of 5-pound coins as well. The set of coins describe important moments over each year of the war.