2007 Abolition of the Slave Trade £2 Gold Proof Coin | GoldSilverJapan
The "Abolition of the Slave Trade Bicentenary Gold Proof Two Pounds," issued by the Royal Mint in 2007, is a special proof gold coin commemorating a pivotal turning point in British and world history. This coin was issued to mark the 200th anniversary of the passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807 by the British Parliament. From the 18th to the early 19th century, the transatlantic slave trade formed a part of the British economy, but it was abolished through the long-standing efforts of numerous politicians, religious figures, civil rights activists, and human rights advocates. This coin is not merely a commemorative item, but a symbolic gold coin created to pass on to future generations the respect for human rights, the value of freedom, and historical lessons for humanity. The coin pictured is a limited-edition 22-karat gold proof coin, polished to a mirror finish by the Royal Mint's high level of craftsmanship. In the collector market, these commemorative gold coins are highly valued as particularly historically significant pieces among modern British commemorative coins, and occupy an important position in the fields of British history, world history, human rights history, and commemorative gold coin collecting. GoldSilverJapan introduces these commemorative gold coins issued by the Royal Mint from a professional perspective, highlighting their historical background.
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. The portrait was designed by the renowned sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS and has been the official portrait used on British currency since 1998. The inscription around the portrait reads "ELIZABETH II DG REG. FID. DEF. TWO POUNDS," meaning "Queen Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith, face value 2 pounds." Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, spanning from the 20th to the early 21st century, and her portrait was used on coins and banknotes around the world. The obverse of this coin features a mirror-like proof finish, beautifully contrasting with the frosted finish of the portrait. Unlike regular circulating currency, proof coins from the Royal Mint are produced through multiple strikes and a special polishing process, resulting in exceptionally high artistic quality. This 2007 commemorative gold coin is no exception, gaining high popularity in the collector market from the moment it was issued. With its history rooted in the British monarchy and the British Parliament, this coin is positioned as a commemorative currency symbolizing the values and social reforms of modern Britain.
The reverse design was created by designer David Gentleman. The number "1807" is prominently displayed in the center, with a chain design running vertically through it. This chain symbolizes slavery, and the central part of the number is depicted as if the chain's link is open. This is a powerful message symbolizing the abolition of the slave trade and the attainment of freedom. The inscription around the coin reads "AN ACT FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE," referring to the "Abolition of the Slave Trade Act." This simple yet extremely powerful design is highly regarded in the history of British commemorative coinage. The method of expressing historical significance through a single symbolic image, without ostentatious decoration, is a highly successful example of a commemorative coin. Furthermore, according to the certificate, the coin's edge is inscribed with the famous anti-slavery slogan, "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER." This phrase is known as a symbolic message of the abolitionist movement in Britain in the late 18th century and had a significant influence on the development of human rights thought. This coin can be considered an important cultural heritage that conveys that historical spirit to the present day.
According to the accompanying certificate, this coin has a diameter of 28.40 mm, weighs 15.97 grams, and has a face value of 2 pounds. Its distinctive feature is the combination of two types of 22-karat gold. The central portion uses 22-karat yellow gold, while the outer edge uses 22-karat red gold, creating a unique visual contrast. The Royal Mint employs advanced manufacturing techniques in modern commemorative gold coins, and this coin is a testament to that expertise. With an mintage of only 1,000 pieces, it is a highly rare, limited-edition gold proof coin. The certificate number shown in the image is "0102," confirming that it is from the early serial number range. Complete sets, including the original case, certificate, and capsule, tend to be particularly valued in the collector market. In recent years, there has been increasing international demand for British commemorative gold coins with limited mintage, and this 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery gold coin is attracting attention as an important piece in British modern gold coin collections. Historical themed commemorative coins, in particular, are popular among museum staff and history enthusiasts worldwide.
The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act of 1807 was an extremely important event not only in British history but also in world history. The timeline included in the certificate shows the historical progression from the early slave trade by John Hawkins in 1562, to the establishment of the Royal African Company in 1672, the establishment of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1787, the passage of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, and finally to the Abolition of Slavery Act of 1833. The passage of this bill was the result of the efforts of many reformers, including William Wilberforce. Although slavery itself was not completely abolished in 1807, the prohibition of the slave trade was a major first step. The 2007 commemorative gold coin was issued to mark the 200th anniversary of this historical milestone, providing an opportunity to reflect on humanity's journey in pursuit of freedom and equality. This theme remains important in modern society and demonstrates the significance of continuing to learn from history. More than just a precious metal asset, this gold coin holds special value as a coin symbolizing moral progress in human history. GoldSilverJapan introduces rare British commemorative gold coins with such historical backgrounds, and disseminates accurate information about their cultural and collectible value.
FAQ:
Q. What does this coin commemorate?
A. This commemorates the 200th anniversary of the passage of the British Slave Trade Abolition Act of 1807.
Q. What year was it published?
A. It was 2007.
Q. Which organization issues it?
A. The Royal Mint.
Q. What is the face value?
A. It's 2 pounds.
Q. What is the purity of gold?
A. It's 22-karat gold.
Q. How much does it weigh?
A. It's about 15.97 grams.
Q. What is the diameter?
A. It's approximately 28.40 mm.
Q. How many copies were issued?
A. Limited to 1,000 copies.
Q. Who is the designer?
A. The front side is by Ian Rank-Broadley, and the back side is by David Gentleman.
Q. What is the meaning of the chain design? A. It symbolizes liberation from slavery and freedom.
Q. What is written on the edge engraving?
A. "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER."
Q. What is a proof coin?
A. This is a high-quality coin with a special mirror finish.
Q. Is it popular among collectors?
A. Yes. They are popular because they were issued in small quantities and have high historical significance.
Q. Are the original case and certificate important?
A. It is extremely important and has a significant impact on market value.
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