Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1570, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Badge
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1570, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Badge
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1570, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Badge, CD-style case
Description

A £2 coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's aerial warfare force. Formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world. Following victory over the Central Powers in 1918 the RAF emerged as, at the time, the largest air force in the world. Since its formation, the RAF has taken a significant role in British military history. In particular, it played a large part in the Second World War where it fought its most famous campaign, the Battle of Britain.

Today the Royal Air Force maintains an operational fleet of various types of aircraft, described by the RAF as being "leading-edge" in terms of technology. This largely consists of fixed-wing aircraft, including: fighter and strike aircraft, airborne early warning and control aircraft, ISTAR and SIGINT aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft and strategic and tactical transport aircraft.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II•D•G•REG•F•D•2 POUNDS•
J.C

Reverse

Depicts a badge of the Royal Air Force surrounded by the inscription, dates below.

The badge of the Royal Air Force is the heraldic emblem used to represent the RAF which features an Eagle superimposed on a circlet which is surmounted by the Imperial Crown. The badge was based on a design by a tailor at Gieves Ltd of Savile Row. It was first used in August 1918 and the original circlet showed a garter and buckle. The present plain circlet dates from 26 January 1923 when the badge was registered at the College of Arms and, it being noted that the garter and buckle were heraldically incorrect, a substitution was made.

The badge is depicted on the iron gates at the ceremonial entrance to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell; at the entrance to the Air Forces Memorial in Surrey; and on the Polish War Memorial in London.

Engraver: Rhys Morgan

THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
PER ARDVA•AD ASTRA
RM
1918-2018

Edge

The Latin motto of the RAF, "Per Ardua ad Astra", is usually translated as "Through Adversity to the Stars", but the RAF's official translation is "Through Struggle to the Stars". The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer named J S Yule, in response to a request from a commander of the RFC, Colonel Sykes, for suggestions.

PER ARDUA AD ASTRA

Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Nickel Brass
Center Cupronickel
Weight 12 g
Diameter 28.4 mm
Thickness 2.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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