This year’s Remembrance Day commemorative coin features a reverse design created by the acclaimed artist Gary Breeze. Alongside symbolic red poppies, the coin carries an inscription from the famous fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon’s enduring poem ‘For the Fallen’, a tribute to those who died during the First World War.
Using the latest innovative technology, the poppies that feature on the coin have been digitally printed to add the vivid red colour that is commonly associated with the flower.
Clare Maclennan, Director of the Commemorative Coin Division at The Royal Mint said, “We are honoured to be revealing this year’s Remembrance Day commemorative coin in collaboration with the Imperial War Museums. The Royal Mint’s Remembrance Day commemorative coin provides a poignant tribute to all who served in both world wars as well as a reminder of the brave men and women in our Armed Forces – past and present.”
Designer of the Remembrance Day coin, Gary Breeze, reveals his inspiration behind this year’s design, “In 2015, I produced a commemorative stamp for the Royal Mail featuring the same fragment of the poem ‘For The Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon. I find the words incredibly moving – there is perhaps no greater sadness than that which is felt on waking up and this is expressed so economically in that single sentence. I wanted the inscription on the coin to be incised, like lettering on a war memorial, and the style is inspired by lettering from the interwar period.”
The first Remembrance Day was held on 11 November 1919 – exactly one year after the signing of the Armistice with Germany. Remembrance Day provides veterans and the public with an opportunity to come together to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
The coin is available to be purchased in Silver Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions from www.royalmint.com.