2017 British Royal Mint "The War in the Air" 2 Pound Gold Proof Coin | 100th Anniversary of World War I Air Force Commemorative Gold Coin | GoldSilverJapan
The "The War in the Air" 2-pound proof gold coin, issued by the Royal Mint in 2017, is a commemorative coin issued to celebrate the advancements in aviation technology during World War I and the courageous actions of the Royal Flying Corps. This coin was planned as part of the 100th anniversary series of World War I and is highly regarded as a work commemorating a significant turning point not only in the history of war but also in the history of aviation. At the beginning of the 20th century, humanity acquired the new technology of the airplane, and World War I served as a catalyst for the rapid evolution of that technology. Initially used for reconnaissance, aircraft eventually developed into fighters and bombers, transforming the skies into a new battlefield. The design of this coin symbolizes that historical moment, making it not merely a commemorative coin, but a work of art that pays tribute to the progress of human aviation technology and the people involved. GoldSilverJapan provides detailed information on rare British commemorative gold coins with such historical backgrounds for collectors and investors. This coin has a very limited mintage and is a particularly noteworthy piece within the British Modern Commemorative Gold Coin series.
When World War I broke out in 1914, many people did not think that aircraft would play such a significant role in the war. At the time, balloon reconnaissance was common, and airplanes were mainly used for observation and reconnaissance missions. However, as the war dragged on, the importance of aircraft rapidly increased. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the British Army Air Service, used aircraft to locate enemy forces and conduct photographic reconnaissance, providing crucial information on the battlefield. Furthermore, advances in aviation technology led to the emergence of armed aircraft, giving rise to a new form of combat: aerial warfare. In 1915, German aircraft designer Anthony Fokker developed the synchronous machine gun, making it possible to use fighter planes that could fire machine guns over the propeller. This rapidly intensified aerial warfare, and the Allied forces and the German army engaged in fierce battles for air superiority. In 1917, a fierce battle known as "Bloody April" occurred, in which many British airmen lost their lives. This coin is an important commemorative gold coin created to pass on to future generations the courage and sacrifice of the young pilots of that era.
The design on the reverse side of the coin was created by Daniel Flashman, a senior designer at the British design company Tangerine. The design depicts the Royal Aircraft Factory RE8, a British reconnaissance aircraft that played an active role during World War I. The aircraft is shown flying against a map background, symbolizing the role that aerial reconnaissance missions played in the war. According to the designer, this work depicts a pilot and observer conducting a reconnaissance flight over the Battle of Arras in April 1917, a period known as Bloody April. The reason for using a map as a motif is that the information gathered through aerial reconnaissance was extremely important on the battlefield. The overall design also draws inspiration from the aesthetics of blueprints and military maps of the time, elevating historical materials into modern nemonic art. The words "THE WAR IN THE AIR" are engraved on the edge of the coin, symbolizing the era of air warfare in World War I. This design is particularly highly regarded among the Royal Mint's recent commemorative coin designs and is popular among aviation history enthusiasts.
The obverse features the fifth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, created by Jody Clark. This portrait has been used on British coins since 2015 and is known for its natural depiction of the Queen's mature figure. The inscription "ELIZABETH II DG REG. FD 2 POUNDS 2017" is engraved around the edge. This coin has a face value of 2 pounds as British legal tender, but its value is largely supported not only by the price of gold bullion but also by its rarity due to limited issuance and its historical value. According to the specifications, it weighs 15.97 grams, has a diameter of 28.40 mm, and is made of 916.7 (22-karat gold). Both the inside and outside are made of 22-karat gold alloy, and it features a beautiful reddish, traditional British gold color. The quality is of the highest grade proof finish, and the contrast between the mirror-like field and the frosted design is beautifully expressed. The Royal Mint has a traditional quality inspection system called the "Trial of the Pyx" that has been in place for over 700 years, and this coin is manufactured under strict quality control. For this reason, it enjoys a high level of trust from collectors worldwide.
The mintage of this coin is extremely limited, with a maximum of only 634 pieces issued. Furthermore, the Limited Edition Presentation (special limited packaging) is limited to only 450 sets, making it known for its extremely low market circulation. Due to its limited number, coupled with the popular theme of the 100th anniversary of World War I series, it has been in high demand among collectors since its initial issue. Complete sets, including the original box, certificate, and explanatory booklet, are particularly highly valued and are important collectibles for British commemorative gold coin collectors. The accompanying booklet details the history of the Royal Flying Corps, the development of aerial warfare, Bloody April, and the circumstances leading to the birth of the Royal Air Force (RAF). On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to form the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF continues to exist to this day as the world's first independent air force, and this coin is a tribute and tribute to the airmen who were its originators. This coin, which fuses history, military affairs, aviation technology, and numismatic art, holds a particularly important position among modern British commemorative gold coins.
FAQ: Q. What is this coin?
A. This is a proof 2-pound gold coin from "The War in the Air," issued by the Royal Mint in 2017.
Q. What year was it published?
A. 2017.
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 the gold?
A. 916.7 (22k gold).
Q. How much does it weigh?
A. 15.97 grams.
Q. What is the diameter?
A. It's 28.40 mm.
Q. How many copies were issued?
A. The maximum is 634 sheets.
Q. How many limited edition packages are there?
A. 450 sets.
Q. What is the airplane on the back?
A. This is a Royal Aircraft Factory RE8 reconnaissance aircraft.
Q. Who is the designer?
A. The reverse side features Daniel Flashman, and the front side features Jody Clark.
Q. What does "The War in the Air" mean? A. It represents the history of aerial warfare in World War I.
Q. What is the Royal Flying Corps?
A. This was the British Army Air Service, the predecessor of the later Royal Air Force (RAF).
Q. What is Bloody April?
A. This was the period of aerial combat in April 1917 when the British Air Force suffered heavy losses.
Q. Is this coin worth investing in?
A. Due to its rarity (limited to 634 pieces), 22-karat gold construction, Royal Mint issue, and theme commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I, it is highly sought after in the collector market.
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