Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# NB8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# NB8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
  • 2 Pounds 2020, Sp# NB8, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, 2 coin set
Description

Struck by The Royal Mint and only issued as part of a 2-coin set, in collaboration with The Czech Mint, featuring a $2 coin issued on behalf of Niue. The coin is a redesign of the 2015 Royal Mint release commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a £25 gold proof was also struck.

The Battle of Britain was a military campaign of the Second World War, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended the United Kingdom against the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) attacks from the end of June 1940. It is described as the first major campaign fought entirely by air forces. The British officially recognise its duration as from 10 July until 31 October 1940, which overlaps with the period of large-scale night attacks known as the Blitz, while German historians do not accept this subdivision and regard it as a campaign lasting from July 1940 to June 1941.

The Battle of Britain takes its name from a speech by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons on 18 June: "What General Weygand has called The Battle of France is over. The battle of Britain is about to begin."

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·2020·
J.C

Reverse

Airmen running to their planes with enemy aircraft overhead. Designer Gary Breeze's initials GB are located to the right of the plane on the right.

Gary Breeze has said that the inspiration behind the design was to remind people "of the selfless sacrifice of the Few. The airmen run away from us. They don't walk slowly to their fate, and we may never see them again.”

Engraver: Gary Breeze

THE
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
GB
1940

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 31.21 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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