Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1574, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Vulcan
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1574, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Vulcan
  • 2 Pounds 2018, KM# 1574, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, Vulcan, 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 an Avro Vulcan surrounded by the inscription including dates.

The Avro Vulcan (later Hawker Siddeley Vulcan from July 1963) is a jet-powered tailless delta wing high-altitude strategic bomber, which was operated by the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984. Aircraft manufacturer A.V. Roe and Company (Avro) designed the Vulcan in response to Specification B.35/46.

The Vulcan B.1 was first delivered to the RAF in 1956; deliveries of the improved Vulcan B.2 started in 1960. The B.2 featured more powerful engines, a larger wing, an improved electrical system and electronic countermeasures (ECM); many were modified to accept the Blue Steel missile. As a part of the V-force, the Vulcan was the backbone of the United Kingdom's airborne nuclear deterrent during much of the Cold War. Although the Vulcan was typically armed with nuclear weapons, it was capable of conventional bombing missions, a capability which was used in Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina in 1982.

Engravers: brothers Neil and Richard Talbot

RAF 1918-2018
NT+RT
VULCAN

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

Related coins

5th portrait, Badge

100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Spitfire

100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm
5th portrait, Lightning II

100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force

Bi-Metallic, 12 g, ⌀ 28.4 mm