November 29, 2020

Fifty-five years ago, in the pre-decimal age of British currency, a commemorative crown was issued following Winston Churchill’s death. Featuring a youthful Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse, an image of Churchill as rendered by sculptor Oscar Nemon appears on the reverse. Although no monetary denomination appears on the coins, they were officially valued at five shillings each, which gives them a current value of just 25p.

As collectables go, the Churchill crowns are as common as they come, and no wonder: the Royal Mint struck more than nineteen million coins. Made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, mint condition coins today are worth no more than around £3 or $5. Although of little monetary value, the coins remain popular among Churchill collectors and make nice gifts.

Jonathan Isaac Moscoso Briceño, who is District Representative for Peru of the American Numismatic Association and a founding member of the American Numismatic Union, has written a good summary description of the Churchill crown and its story, which we are happy to provide in both ENGLISH and SPANISH as a Finest Hour Extra