2014 First World War Centenary £2
Coin will arrive in circulated condition
About This Design
In 2014 this coin marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and was the first coin in a five-year series, on a journey from ‘outbreak to armistice’. The coin remembers one of the most significant moments in British history with a design that recalls the spirit, and with hindsight, the poignancy, of the rush to enlist encouraged by Lord Kitchener.
In 1914 Lord Kitchener was appointed to mastermind a recruitment campaign that would go on to create one of the largest volunteer armies ever known in Britain. Though many posters encouraged the men of Britain to enlist, the image of Kitchener himself came to stand for the call to fight for ‘King and Country’ that saw men respond in their thousands. It is to this instantly recognisable image that experienced coinage artist John Bergdahl turned to create his stirring design.
Specifications
Issued 2014
Diameter 28.4mm
Weight 12.0g
Thickness 2.5mm
Composition
Outer: Nickel-brass (76% copper, 4% nickel, 20% zinc)
Inner: Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
Obverse Designer Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Reverse Designer John Bergdahl
Edge Milled
Edge Inscription The lamps are going out all over Europe
Mintage 5,720,000
Made by The Royal Mint
